Diazepam, also known by its chemical name Valium or as medication by trade names such as Valium and Diazepam, is a medication of the benzodiazepine family that typically produces a calming effect. When ingested, it provides rapid relief from feelings of anxiety and causes drowsiness.
The active ingredient in Diazepam is a type of drug called benzodiazepine. Benzodiazepines are often used for the treatment of anxiety disorders related to depression and panic attacks because they work quickly to reduce symptoms in most people who take them. There are many benzodiazepines; each has its particular therapeutic use.
Diazepam (Valium) can help relieve anxiety and stop panic attacks within a few minutes of taking the medication. However, it will take longer to relieve the anxiety symptoms if they have been ongoing. Short-term anxiety and panic attacks that last a few minutes or less can be relieved faster than long-term disorders or those that are chronic.
You should always keep one pill in the house and take it a few times a day when you feel an attack coming on.
Diazepam has worked best in clinical trials when taken at the beginning of an anxiety attack. If taken after the anxiety attack starts, Diazepam is not more effective than placebo medicine. Medications are most helpful in treating an acute episode of anxiety, not in preventing future attacks.
For this reason, it is best to take the drug as soon as you feel anxious or panicky rather than waiting for the panic attack to begin (which the person often does not realize is happening).
Because of its quick action, Diazepam is often used in panic attacks and social situations where immediate relief is needed.
The unique feature of Diazepam (Valium) is that it may take as long as 15 minutes before you feel the effects once you have swallowed the pill.
It may be hard to believe at first, but each individual seems to react differently to Diazepam, and symptoms vary according to the dosage used. For this reason, it is best to take a pill as soon as you begin to feel anxious or panicky, rather than waiting for the attack to occur.
For most people, only one pill is needed for each anxiety attack. However, it is recommended that you always keep an extra pill in your house in case panic attacks occur at unexpected times or when you cannot get a pill at the first sign of anxiety or panic. If a second dose is needed, consult with a healthcare professional for more drug information.
Diazepam (Valium) will not make you feel “high” or happy. It is not like heroin or other illegal mind-altering drugs. Diazepam may make you feel more normal, by lessening the feelings of anxiety, stress, and panic.
It is important to remember that Diazepam is not addictive but can be habit-forming if used in the long term at high doses.
Diazepam can cause somnolence (sleepiness), dizziness, fatigue, weakness, and irritability in low doses. Side effects are more common with higher doses. Nausea, constipation, and blurred vision may also occur.
Drowsiness is the most common side effect of Diazepam (Valium) – it tends to make the person feel sluggish and weak. Diazepam (Valium) also tends to make people sleepy; however, it has a stimulating effect similar to alcohol in low doses (2–3 drinks).
Like alcohol, Diazepam can have a sedative effect when taken in large doses, making the person feel tired and asleep. As soon as the drug wears off, he or she will wake up feeling completely refreshed with no after-effects of sedation or fatigue.
Diazepam is the fastest acting of all benzodiazepine medications. It is also one of the safest and most effective drugs in treating anxiety and panic attacks. The downside is that it can be habit-forming, especially when taken on a long-term basis or at high doses.
If you want to start using Valium, starting with a low dose of Diazepam is recommended. It is extremely important to consult with a physician before you start taking Valium.
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