How is Valium prescribed?

Valium (diazepam) is an anti-anxiety medication prescribed in doses betwen 2 and 10 mg several times daily. More on Valium dosage, cost, and prescriptions here.

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Valium is the brand name for an anti-anxiety medication which contains diazepam, a Schedule IV controlled substance. Because people can abuse diazepam to get high, Valium is only available by prescription and can be used in tablet, gel and injectable form. More here on Valium costs, prescription doses and signs of Valium abuse. Plus, a section at the end for your questions about Valium prescriptions.

What do doctors prescribe Valium for?

Valium is a very versatile drug. Doctors may prescribe Valium to treat the symptoms of anxiety, muscle spasms, seizures, and even alcohol withdrawal. So, Valium works how?  The main ingredient in Valium, diazepam, is part of a class of medications called a benzodiazepine that causes sedation and relaxes the muscles. Valium is also knowns as a tranquilizer, sedative, or central nervous system depressant.

Valium prescription dosage

How long Valium lasts does not vary (about 4-6 hours).  But the dosage of Valium depends on the symptoms your doctor is hoping to treat. For example, someone suffering from anxiety may take between 2-10 mg of Valium several times a day. For alcohol withdrawal, 3-4 doses of 10 mg over the first 24 hours is the starting dose, but after that Valium prescription dosage will be reduced to 5 mg as needed. For muscle spasms and convulsive disorders, doctors recommend 2-10 mg of Valium between 2 and 4 times a day. In elderly people, the dose will be much lower, usually no more than 2.5 mg until the ability to tolerate Valium has been established.

Valium prescription cost

The cost of Valium will vary depending on your dosage and insurance coverage. Without insurance, the name brand version of Valium can cost upwards of $100 a month. However, the generic version of diazepam is usually less than $10. Unless there’s some reason why you can’t take the generic formula, it’s probably going to be much more affordable to buy generic Valium.

Can you get Valium over the counter?

No. You cannot get Valium over the counter. Valium is only available with a doctor’s prescription due the addictive potential of the drug. If you are suffering from anxiety or another disorder treated with Valium, your best option is to talk to your doctor and get his or her recommendation on the best medication to treat your symptoms. Valium isn’t the best option for everyone.

Signs of Valium prescription drug abuse

How addictive is Valium? – Very.

Taking more Valium than prescribed, or taking Valium in a way other than directed usually indicated Valium abuse. If you’re using Valium to get “high”rather than to treat your symptoms, you’re abusing the medication. Regular abuse of Valium does have risks -including addiction and increased adverse effects. But, no need to worry because help is available! In fact, there are many rehab options and treatment programs for tranquilizer addiction available to help you get sober.

Abusing Valium in conjunction with alcohol or other drugs can potentially cause illness or death.

Valium prescription questions

Do you still have questions about Valium prescriptions? Please leave your questions about Valium here. We are happy to help answer your questions personally and promptly. If we do not know the answer to your particular question, we will refer you to someone who does.

Reference Sources: ToxNet: Diazepam
Medline Plus: Diazepam
NCBI: Addiction to diazepam (Valium) 
About the author
Lee Weber is a published author, medical writer, and woman in long-term recovery from addiction. Her latest book, The Definitive Guide to Addiction Interventions is set to reach university bookstores in early 2019.
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