The habit-forming potential for Valium is high, and it is possible to become dependent in as little as two weeks. In patients addicted to diazepam, abrupt discontinuation of use can lead to withdrawal symptoms such as headache, lightheadedness, nausea and vomiting, insomnia, sweating, anxiety, and fatigue. For patients being treated for convulsive disorders, abrupt withdrawal of Valium can increase the frequency and/or severity of seizures. Since Valium has a depressant effect on the central nervous system, it should not be combined with alcohol, other sedatives, or other drugs having a CNS-depressant effect. Patients receiving Valium should be cautioned against operating machinery, driving a motor vehicle, or engaging in other potentially hazardous activities requiring complete mental alertness. Valium is not of value in the treatment of psychotic patients.

Developed in 1963 by the Swiss company Roche Pharmaceuticals, Valium is the brand name for diazepam, a benzodiazepine derivative. Other names for diazepam are T-Quil and Valrelease. The chemical name is 7-chloro-1,3-dihydro-1-methyl-5-phenyl-2H-1,4-benzodiazepin-2-one, and the empirical formula is C₁₆H₁₃ClN₂O. Valium is a colorless to light yellow crystalline compound, insoluble in water, with a molecular weight of 284.75. It is available for oral administration as round, flat-faced scored tablets with V-shaped perforation and beveled edges, containing 2 mg, 5 mg, or 10 mg diazepam. In addition to the active ingredient, each tablet contains the inactive ingredients anhydrous lactose, corn starch, pregelatinized starch and calcium stearate. The yellow 5-mg tablets also contain FD&C Yellow No. 6 and D&C Yellow No. 10, while the blue 10-mg tablets contain FD&C Blue No. 1. The white 2 mg tablets contain no dye).

Valium is most frequently used for the short-term relief of symptoms related to anxiety disorders. It can also be used for the treatment of agitation, tremors, delirium, seizures, muscle spasms, and to treat symptoms of acute alcohol withdrawal. It is also used in veterinary medicine as an anti-anxiety medication, muscle relaxant, appetite stimulant (especially in the cat), seizure control drug, and to treat Irritable Bowel Syndrome, and the injectable form is often used in anesthetic protocols.

While it is still unclear exactly how this medication is able to affect the brain, Valium appears to act on parts of the limbic system, the thalamus and hypothalamus, inducing calming effects. Benzodiazepines in general are believed to mimic the actions of ?-aminobutyric acid, the principal inhibitory neurotransmitter in the brain. It is metabolized by the liver and excreted mainly by the kidney.

While dosage should be individualized for maximum beneficial effect, and usual daily doses are dependent upon severity of symptoms, most recommended amounts vary between 2 mg to 10 mg, 2 to 4 times daily. Therapy in pediatric and geriatric patients should be initiated with the lowest effective amount and increased as required. Valium is intended for short-term use only and should not be taken for more than four weeks. Effectiveness in use for more than four months has not been assessed.

Valium should not be taken by those who are known to have a hypersensitivity to benzodiazepines or have a history of drug dependence or stroke, or by patients with severe depression, multiple sclerosis, Alzheimer's disease, or other brain disorders. Due to the risk of birth defects, women should not take Valium if they are pregnant, planning to become pregnant, or breastfeeding.