Valium (Diazepam)

A recent survey conducted by the National Mental Health Association revealed that the percentage of individuals reporting higher stress levels than the previous year has risen by 7% in 2024. If you’re feeling disappointed or finding it difficult to stay active in daily life, you’re not alone in facing these challenges.

However, if stress and anxiety become difficult to manage, it’s important to consider seeking professional help. For those diagnosed with an anxiety or sleep disorder, a healthcare provider may suggest therapy or medications like Valium (diazepam).

What is Valium (Diazepam)?

Diazepam brand name Valium, is part of a group of medications called benzodiazepines (ben-zoe-dye-AZE-eh-peen). Valium is a benzodiazepine with anticonvulsant, anxiolytic, sedative, muscle relaxant, and amnesic effects and a long duration of action. Its functions are mediated by enhancing GABA (gamma-aminobutyric acid) activity, an inhibitory neurotransmitter in the central nervous system. Diazepam works by relaxing the brain and nerves.

Valium, also known as diazepam, is a medication that belongs to the benzodiazepine class of drugs. It is commonly prescribed to treat anxiety disorders, muscle spasms, seizures, and alcohol withdrawal symptoms.

Valium works by enhancing the activity of a neurotransmitter in the brain called gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA), which helps to reduce the activity of nerve cells in the brain. This can result in a calming effect on the body and mind, which can help to alleviate symptoms of anxiety, muscle spasms, and seizures.

Valium is available in tablet form and is typically taken orally. The dosage and frequency of medication can vary depending on the individual’s condition, age, weight, and overall health.

As with any medication, there can be potential side effects associated with the use of Valium, such as drowsiness, dizziness, confusion, and impaired coordination. It is important to follow the dosage and frequency of medication as prescribed by a licensed healthcare provider to minimize the risk of side effects and ensure safe and effective use.

What is valium used for?

Diazepam is used to treat anxiety disorders, alcohol withdrawal and seizures. It is also used to release muscle spasms and to provide sedation before medical procedures. Due to its potency, Valium uses must be prescribed and administered under medical supervision.

Situations Where Valium is Prescribed?

Generic Valium has Calming and soothing effects, and it may be necessary for handling different situations. The most common reasons for prescribing Valium are listed below:

Anxiety Management: Valium Diazepam is FDA-approved for the management of anxiety disorders. It helps in Short-term relief of anxiety symptoms and spasticity connected with upper motor neuron disorders. It also helps curb the signs of a general anxiety disorder (GAD), social anxiety disorder, panic disorder, etc.

Muscle Spasms: Valium reduces tension and cramps in the muscles that evolve stiff due to locomotor problems.

Seizures: Diazepam is an anti-seizure medication (ASM). It is usually used in emergencies to stop seizures and with other drugs for patients retaining long-term convulsant disorders.

Insomnia: Benzodiazepines have primarily replaced barbiturates in treating anxiety and sleep disorders because of their improved safety profile. It is a fast-acting, long-lasting benzodiazepine commonly used to treat anxiety disorders and stress-induced insomnia that is usually treated with this drug. Yet, in the treatment of long-term insomnia, it is not recommended due to its side effects.

Sedation: Diazepam is used for sedation in the ICU and short-term treatment of spasticity in children with cerebral palsy.

The use of Valium should be carefully observed and controlled to avoid potential side effects or promptly manage them. The dosage is usually prescribed according to the severity of the patient’s state and other health factors. OR, observe the patient for benzodiazepine use disorder (BUD) and recommend a suitable referral.

Valium vs Other Anxiety Drugs

Alternatives to treating anxiety include the following:

• Other benzodiazepines: Xanax (Alprazolam),
• Ativan (Lorazepam)
• Klonopin (Clonazepam)

Other non-benzodiazepine option is:

• Selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs): Prozac (fluoxetine)
• Selective-norepinephrine reuptake inhibitors (SNRIs): Cymbalta (duloxetine)
• Buspirone

Diazepam Valium works faster than other anxiety medicines. After oral administration of Valium diazepam, greater than 90% is absorbed. The average time to achieve peak plasma concentrations is one to one and a half hours, while other medications take a few weeks to show their impacts on your body. On the other hand, Valium is not appropriate for long-term usage as it brings the risk of withdrawal symptoms and addiction in this case. That is why it is commonly used for acute anxiety, while extended-release medications are considered suitable for chronic conditions such as anxiety disorder.

Only a healthcare provider can decide what’s the best solution for anxiety based on your symptoms and requirements.

Who Can Prescribe Valium (diazepam)?

The following qualified healthcare professionals can prescribe Valium (diazepam):

• Primary Care Physicians
• Medical Doctors (MD)
• Nurse Practitioners (NP)
• Physician Assistants (PA)
• Doctors of Osteopathic Medicine (DO)
• Neurologists
• Psychiatrists

Can You Get Valium (Diazepam) Over-the-Counter?

No, Valium (Diazepam) medications aren’t available to purchase over the counter (OTC). Due to potential adverse effects and the need for monitoring, they are classified as prescription medications. Hence, they are subject to strict FDA regulations, necessitating a valid prescription from a healthcare professional for legal and safe usage.

Diazepam is part of a group of medications called benzodiazepines. Diazepam is used to treat insomnia, anxiety, panic attacks, and symptoms of acute alcohol withdrawal. It is also used to relieve muscle spasms and to provide sedation or amnesia before certain medical procedures. Because of its sedative effects and the potential risk for abuse and addiction, Diazepam must be carefully monitored by a medical professional. Taking it without proper guidance can lead to serious risks, including overdose, dependence, or severe withdrawal symptoms if stopped suddenly.

Dosages

The US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) advises starting with a dose of 2mg to 10mg valium pill taken 2 to 4 times daily to treat anxiety. The dose can be lower in the beginning or adjusted during treatment. Note that the dose is chosen individually, and following the recommendations of your physician is the best course of action to achieve optimal results.

How to Get Prescribed Valium (diazepam) Online

At North Heal, you can see the best medical provider specializing in sleeping disorders who can define whether diazepam is an appropriate treatment option for you. The process includes the following steps:

Book an appointment: You can Schedule a video call with our licensed healthcare professional.

Discuss your symptoms. The healthcare expert will need to know about your symptoms, medical history, and any prescription medications or dietary supplements you used before.

Receive treatment recommendations. After a detailed analysis, your healthcare provider may ask for additional exams or testing. If those are not essential, you’ll be provided with information about the available treatment options, including medications, psychotherapy, or both.

Get a cheap Valium (diazepam) prescription online. If your doctor determines that diazepam is a good choice for you, he/she will prescribe it for a set period of time. This can be achieved physically with a paper prescription or electronically with a telemedicine prescription delivered to a pharmacy or purchase Valium anywhere.

Fill out the prescription. If you are prescribed diazepam online, take a printed prescription with you to the pharmacy. If you received an online prescription, visit the pharmacy and enter your information to have the drug mailed to you. You can buy Valium online from pharmaceutical delivery.

How to Discuss the Use of Diazepam with a Doctor

It’s important to discuss with your doctor before using diazepam if you face insomnia or anxiety. Here are some tips for your discussion with a doctor during an appointment:

• Explain your issues: Inform your doctor about specific symptoms and how difficulty sleeping affects your daily life. The more information you provide to your doctor, the better he/she can understand your problems.
• Describe your medical history: Inform your doctor of any other medications you have taken before or any other medical conditions you may have suffered. It will help your doctor determine whether Diazepam is a safe and helpful option for you or not.
• Ask detailed questions: Ask your doctor about the probable side effects of using Diazepam, the recommended dosage according to you, and any potential risks of long-term use.

Discuss alternative and complementary treatment options for the diagnosed state.

Questions to Ask Your Clinician About Taking Diazepam

Study shows that patients don’t always have sufficient information about the side effects of insomnia, although it’s necessary to learn about them in advance. In addition to discussing the course of action in the case you have adverse reactions, consider requesting the following questions:

• Which medication can be most appropriate for my condition, and how does it work?
• What is my specified dosage? Can it change over time, and what can be a reason for it?
• When should I take my medication? Does it make any difference if I take it at a different time?
• What are the common side effects I should look out for? Which ones require quick medical attention?
• How long will it take for Diazepam to start working, and when does it reach full effect?
• What should I do if the medication isn’t working?
• What other processes can I include in my life during treatment to support the effects of Diazepam?
• When should I have another consultation, and why are they needed?
• Which medications or substances should I avoid during Diazepam?
• Is this medication safe if I am pregnant, breastfeeding, or planning to become pregnant?

Can You Get Valium (Diazepam) Without a doctor?

No, you can’t get it without seeing a healthcare professional. It is necessary to consult with a licensed practitioner online to know if your condition requires Valium (diazepam) treatment and receive a prescription. If it isn’t possible for you to go visit a doctor’s office for any reason, you can use telecare services such as North Heal.

Diazepam side effects

Common side effects that usually don’t need medical attention may include:

• Drowsiness
• Dizziness
• Tiredness
• Blurred vision
• Unsteadiness
• Fatigue
• Muscle weakness
• Ataxias
• Emotional blunting
• Mood changes
• loss in appetite

Some adverse effects:

• Respiratory depression
• Sedation
• Hypotension
• Seizures
• Muscle weakness

This is not a complete list that describes all possible Valium side effects and others may occur. Get emergency medical support if you have symptoms of an allergic reaction to Valium, such as difficulty breathing, hives, or swelling of your face, lips, or throat.

Availability

Valium benefits include its availability in several formulations, i.e. oral tablets, intravenous injections (IV), intramuscular injections (IM), or rectal gel. Oral tablets have a more consistent absorption and controlled release when compared to intramuscular injections (IM). When administered intravenously, Valium starts to act within 11 to 3 min, while oral dosing starting ranges between 15 to 60 min. In addition, Valium diazepam is long-lasting, with effects lasting over 12 hours.

How North Heal Can Help

North Heal offers telemedicine appointments with the best medical professionals specializing in mental health treatment and is licensed to prescribe antidepressant medications online when appropriate. Take the first step to improving your mental health in a stigma-free environment and obtain personalized care from the comfort of your home.