Comprehensive medication guide to {drug} including estimated pricing, availability information, side effects, and how to find it in stock at your local pharmacy.
Diazepam is a benzodiazepine medication originally marketed under the brand name Valium. It is one of the most widely recognized and prescribed benzodiazepines in the world. Diazepam is FDA-approved for the treatment of anxiety disorders, muscle spasms, seizures (including status epilepticus), preoperative anxiety, and acute alcohol withdrawal symptoms such as agitation, tremor, and delirium tremens.
Diazepam is available in multiple formulations including oral tablets, oral solution, injectable solution, rectal gel (Diastat), and nasal spray (Valtoco). The rectal gel and nasal spray are specifically designed for emergency seizure management outside of healthcare settings.
Diazepam works by enhancing the activity of gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA), the brain's primary inhibitory neurotransmitter. Specifically, it binds to an allosteric site on GABA-A receptor chloride ion channels, increasing the frequency at which these channels open. This leads to greater chloride ion flow into neurons, hyperpolarizing the cell membrane and reducing neuronal excitability.
This mechanism produces several therapeutic effects: anxiolytic (anti-anxiety) effects through the limbic system, muscle relaxation via the spinal cord and motor neurons, and sedative and anticonvulsant actions through the cortex, thalamus, and cerebellum. Diazepam has a notably long half-life (20–100 hours including active metabolites), which contributes to its sustained effects and makes it useful for gradual benzodiazepine tapering.
Diazepam oral tablets are generally available at most pharmacies without shortage issues. However, Diazepam injection (5 mg/mL) is currently on shortage as of early 2026, with Fresenius Kabi syringes on back order and Pfizer Carpuject syringes in limited supply. The oral solution (5 mg/5 mL) is also on allocation. If you need oral tablets, you should have no trouble finding them. For injectable or oral solution formulations, call ahead to confirm availability or use Medfinder to locate pharmacies with stock near you.
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As a Schedule IV controlled substance, Diazepam can be prescribed by any licensed physician or mid-level provider with prescriptive authority. Common prescribing specialties include:
Note: Diazepam is a controlled substance and cannot be prescribed via most telehealth platforms under current DEA regulations for schedule IV benzodiazepines.
Yes, Diazepam is classified as a Schedule IV controlled substance by the DEA. This means it has a recognized medical use but also carries a risk of abuse, misuse, physical dependence, and addiction.
The FDA has issued boxed warnings for Diazepam regarding: (1) the risk of profound sedation, respiratory depression, coma, and death when used with opioids, and (2) the risks of abuse, misuse, addiction, physical dependence, and potentially life-threatening withdrawal reactions.
Prescriptions for Diazepam are subject to state and federal controlled substance regulations, including limits on refills and requirements for in-person evaluation in many states.
Serious side effects that require immediate medical attention include respiratory depression (especially when combined with opioids or alcohol), severe sedation or coma, paradoxical reactions (agitation, aggression, hallucinations), and signs of physical dependence or withdrawal. Do not stop taking Diazepam abruptly — always taper under medical supervision.
Non-benzodiazepine alternatives for anxiety include SSRIs (e.g., Sertraline, Escitalopram), SNRIs (e.g., Venlafaxine), and Buspirone. For muscle spasms, alternatives include Baclofen, Tizanidine, and Cyclobenzaprine. Always discuss alternatives with your prescriber before making changes.
Major interactions (avoid or use extreme caution):
Moderate interactions:
Food interactions: Grapefruit juice may increase Diazepam levels. Avoid alcohol completely while taking this medication.
Diazepam remains one of the most versatile and widely used benzodiazepines, with applications ranging from anxiety and muscle spasms to seizure emergencies and alcohol withdrawal. Generic oral tablets are affordable and generally easy to find, with prices as low as $5 with discount coupons. However, injectable and oral solution formulations are currently experiencing shortages in early 2026.
Because Diazepam is a Schedule IV controlled substance with FDA boxed warnings, it should only be used under close medical supervision, at the lowest effective dose, and for the shortest duration necessary. If you're having trouble locating Diazepam in stock — particularly the injectable or specialty formulations — Medfinder can help you find pharmacies with availability near you.
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