There is a lot of information about the prescription medication diazepam (
Valium®) that you should be aware of before starting treatment. This drug is approved for treating several different conditions, including muscle spasms, alcohol withdrawal,
anxiety, and
seizures.
Part of a class of medicines called benzodiazepines, diazepam works by enhancing the effects of
gamma-aminobutyric acid (
GABA), a chemical in the brain that is naturally calming. GABA can slow down or stop certain nerve signals in the brain. Diazepam and other benzodiazepines have several effects on the body, including:
- Reducing anxiety
- Causing sleepiness
- Relaxing muscles
- Stopping seizures
- Impairing short-term memory.
Diazepam is generally a well-tolerated medication, but as with any drug, side effects are possible. Some of the most common problems that have been reported with it include fatigue, drowsiness, and coordination problems.
(Click Diazepam for more information on this medication, including more details about its effects, suggestions on when and how to take diazepam, and a list of important warnings and precautions.)
