Some people may wonder about the indications (or uses) of
diazepam (
Valium®). Diazepam is a prescription medication approved to treat various conditions in adults and children as young as six months old. Specifically, indications for this drug include treating:
- Alcohol withdrawal (including agitation, shakiness, and delirium tremens)
- Anxiety (only for short-term use)
- Muscle spasms (caused by things such as joint or muscle inflammation, injury, or cerebral palsy)
- Seizures (when used with other seizure medications).
There are also several "
off-label" diazepam indications. Some of these off-label uses include treating the following conditions:
- Agitation
- Insomnia
- Benzodiazepine withdrawal (due to stopping a benzodiazepine medication too quickly).
Sometimes, this medication is used as a sedative before certain medical or surgical procedures.
(Click What Is Diazepam Used For? for a more in-depth look at indications for diazepam, including specific uses and whether it is safe for children.)