Diazepam (Valium) is an inexpensive medication that works well for anxiety and muscle spasms, but it’s not meant for long-term use. It can also be used along with other medications to help manage seizures.
How diazepam (Valium) works
Diazepam (Valium) is a fast-acting benzodiazepine. It slows down activity in your brain and spinal cord, to help control anxiety, muscle spasms, and seizures.
What is diazepam (Valium) used for?
- Anxiety disorders
- Short-term anxiety symptoms
- Alcohol withdrawal
- Muscle spasms
- Muscle spasticity caused by upper motor neuron disorders
- Athetosis
- Stiff person syndrome (SPS)
- Seizure
Typical dosing for diazepam (Valium)
- Anxiety: The typical starting dose for adults is 2 mg by mouth 2 to 4 times daily. The typical dose for the injectable version of diazepam (Valium) is between 2 mg and 5 mg, with a repeat dose in 3 to 4 hours if needed.
- Muscle spasms: The typical starting dose for adults is 2 mg by mouth 3 to 4 times daily. The typical dose for the injectable version of diazepam (Valium) is between 5 mg and 10 mg, with a repeat dose in 3 to 4 hours if needed.
- Alcohol withdrawal: The typical dose for adults is 10 mg by mouth 3 or 4 times during the first 24 hours, followed by 5 mg by mouth 3 to 4 times daily as needed. The typical dose for the injectable version of diazepam (Valium) is 10 mg for the first dose and between 5 mg and 10 mg in 3 to 4 hours if needed.
- Seizures: The typical starting dose for adults is 2 mg by mouth 2 to 4 times daily.
- Seizures lasting longer than 5 minutes: The typical dose for adults is 5 mg to 10 mg given through an IV line. This dose can be repeated every 10 to 15 minutes if the seizure has started again or is still happening until a total of 30 mg has been given.
- Surgery-related anxiety: Depending on the type of procedure you are having done, you can receive anywhere from 5 mg to 20 mg shortly before your surgery either through an IV line or as an injection into a muscle.
- Dosing for people over 65: The typical starting dose for all uses is 2 mg or 2.5 mg by mouth 1 or 2 times daily. This dose should be raised very slowly and only if absolutely necessary.
- Dosing for children over 6 months old: The typical starting dose for all uses is 1 mg to 2.5 mg by mouth 3 or 4 times daily. This dose should be raised very slowly and only if absolutely necessary.
Frequently asked questions about diazepam (Valium)
How does diazepam (Valium) make you feel?
For most people, diazepam (Valium) makes you feel relaxed and calm. Some people say diazepam (Valium) makes them feel emotionally numb, but this might be a sign your dose is too high or that it’s not the right medication for you. Let your healthcare provider know if you feel this way when taking diazepam (Valium).
When does diazepam (Valium) start to kick in?
Diazepam (Valium) starts to kick in within an hour for most people, but some people can feel effects in as little as 15 to 30 minutes.
How long after taking diazepam (Valium) is it safe to drink alcohol?
Diazepam (Valium) stays in your body for a long time. For a healthy person, it can take around one week for diazepam (Valium) to leave the body. Drinking alcohol with diazepam (Valium) still in your system can be extremely dangerous, so wait at least a week after your last dose to have a drink.
Is diazepam (Valium) bad for your liver?
Diazepam (Valium) is processed (broken down) by your liver. If you have liver problems, more of the medication may stay in your body, putting you at a higher risk for serious side effects like trouble breathing. If you have liver problems, talk to your doctor about whether it’s safe for you to take diazepam (Valium).
How long will diazepam (Valium) stay in your urine?
Since diazepam (Valium) stays in your body for a long time, it can show up in your urine for several weeks after being taken.
Is diazepam (Valium) safe to take while pregnant?
Taking diazepam (Valium) during pregnancy may be harmful to your unborn baby. If you are hoping to become pregnant, it’s best to talk your provider about alternative medications for your condition. Contact your provider immediately if you become pregnant, since it’s important to discuss the risks and benefits of continuing on this medication. There is a North American Antiepileptic Drug (NAAED) Pregnancy Registry to monitor the safety of anti-seizure medications during pregnancy. If you are currently pregnant and taking diazepam (Valium), it is encouraged that you enroll in the registry to help researchers learn about the risks.
What are the side effects of diazepam (Valium)?
With any medication, there are risks and benefits. Even if the medication is working, you may experience some unwanted side effects.
Contact your doctor immediately if you experience any of the following:
- Sedation and changes in breathing
- Rare problems with liver, kidneys, or blood
The following side effects may get better over time as your body gets used to the medication. Let your doctor know immediately if you continue to experience these symptoms or if they worsen over time.
Common side effects
- Sleepiness
- Tiredness
- Muscle weakness
- Problems with balance or coordination
Other side effects
- Confusion
- Depression
- Trouble speaking
- Headache
- Blurred vision
- Hyperexcitability or nervousness
- Changes in behavior and sleep
- Low blood pressure
- Changes in urination
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