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Valium is a drug used for managinganxiety disordersand short-term treatment ofanxiety symptoms.
GABA is an inhibitoryneurotransmitterthat helps calm the nervous system, which reduces symptoms of anxiety.
The effects of GABA help calm anxiety, increase drowsiness, and relax muscles.
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For anxiety disorders, Valium begins working quickly to help reduce symptoms of anxiety.
When taken orally, Valium usually begins to reduce anxiety symptoms within 15 to 60 minutes.
Diazepam has a long duration, and the effects can last 12 hours or more.
Spasticity can be due to conditions like cerebral palsy, multiple sclerosis, and even exercise and dehydration.
In another use, Valium may be used as an add-on medication to help people who have seizure disorders.
It was approved in 1963.
If you have glaucoma, it’s possible that you should not take diazepam.
You should contact your ophthalmologist if you are prescribed Valium.
Overdose
Valium should always be taken exactly as prescribed by your doctor.
It should never be combined with alcohol or othercentral nervous depressants.
If Valium is taken in excessive doses or is combined with other depressants, an overdose may occur.
Dependence and Withdrawal
Valium is a member of thebenzodiazepinefamily.
These drugs can lead to dependence even if you’re only taking the prescribed dose.
Valium can also be abused.
You run a higher risk of this if you misuse the medication or have an underlying substance use disorder.
If you stop taking the drug suddenly, your withdrawal symptoms may be more severe.
Your doctor can help you by designing a plan to taper down your dose gradually when discontinuing Valium.
Your doctor may recommend Valium as a short-term treatment to give longer-term treatment approaches a chance to kick in.
Other effective treatments for anxiety can includeother medicationssuch as antidepressants, beta-blockers, and buspirone.
2021;58(Suppl 1):S24-S30.
doi:10.29399/npa.27411
U.S. Food and Drug Administration.Valium.
