Valium (Diazepam)

Diazepam uses a medicine that is referred to as a benzodiazepine. Benzodiazepines are primarily used for their sedative, anxiety reducing, and muscle relaxant effects. Valium (generic name diazepam) for anxiety, works by interacting with the GABA neurotransmitters, and positively affecting the brain chemistry. By altering these specific brain chemicals, diazepam uses a similar molecule to induce a relaxed state that lowers anxiety and calms the body and mind.

What is Valium (diazepam) used for?

Valium (diazepam) uses include calming anxiety, treating acute mania, stabilizing moods, treating anxiety induced insomnia (only in the short-term), helping with withdrawal symptoms for recovering addicts, and treating convulsions. Because the Valium half life can mean that the drug stays active in the body for up to a couple of days, there are a number of drawbacks to using this medication for certain long-term disorders. Valium for anxiety relaxation and treating acute mania, related to anxiety, is one of the most common diazepam uses. Beyond these common Valium uses, it is also used for controlling and reducing muscle spasms due to tetanus or poisoning. Depending on the specific need and the desired Valium half-life, there are a variety of different forms that people can be prescribed, including tablets, oral liquid, injection, or enema.

There are a number of side effects that are common when taking the medication for any of the diazepam uses listed above. Depending on the severity of the disorder that you and your physician are trying to treat it is important to discuss all of the possible options with them and make sure that this medication is right for you. The most common side effects that are reports from Valium uses include: drowsiness, muscles weakness, and impaired alertness. These side effects can be made worse by drinking alcohol in combination, and can have a negative effect on the Valium half-life. Most of the diazepam uses work best only in the short term as using this medication for long periods and/or high doses can create tolerance and dependency issues. It is advisable to follow the prescribed directions of your physician and pharmacist and discuss any changes with them prior to altering your dose.

What is diazepam used for in children or elderly patients?

While it is generally not recommended to that Valium for anxiety, or other Valium uses, are administered to children or the elderly, there are exceptions that have been made. No one should attempt to administer a dose of any medication, especially addictive substances like diazepam, to people that haven’t been prescribed the medication directly. Make sure that you understand the risks associated with taking the medication and all of the possible alternatives to ensure that this medication is right for you.