Valium User Reviews & Ratings
Valium has an average rating of 8.7 out of 10 from a total of 321 reviews on Drugs.com. 86% of reviewers reported a positive experience, while 8% reported a negative experience.
Condition | Avg. Rating | Reviews | Compare |
---|---|---|---|
Anxiety | 203 reviews for Anxiety | 52 medications | |
Muscle Spasm | 55 reviews for Muscle Spasm | 58 medications | |
Alcohol Withdrawal | 21 reviews for Alcohol Withdrawal | 11 medications | |
Temporomandibular Joint Disorder Off-label | 10 reviews for Temporomandibular Joint Disorder | 31 medications | |
Light Sedation | 8 reviews for Light Sedation | 26 medications | |
Light Anesthesia | 6 reviews for Light Anesthesia | 9 medications | |
Night Terrors Off-label | 6 reviews for Night Terrors | 3 medications | |
Seizures | 4 reviews for Seizures | 64 medications | |
Seizure Prevention | 3 reviews for Seizure Prevention | 32 medications | |
Status Epilepticus | 3 reviews for Status Epilepticus | 20 medications | |
Endoscopy or Radiology Premedication | 1 reviews for Endoscopy or Radiology Premedication | 46 medications | |
Tetanus | 1 reviews for Tetanus | 15 medications |
Reviews for Valium
- Len...
- Taken for 10 years or more
- November 13, 2019
For Muscle Spasm "Been using Valium for over 25 years for sciatica and anxiety. Saved me from potential hospital visits for both my conditions. I use 10 mg about 3 to 4 times a week. I have stopped when conditions were better for up to a month without any withdrawal problems. Valium is a wonder drug when not in the hands of abusers who get all the attention necessary to cause its false accusations as a problem drug. It is a problem for some just as alcohol is a problem for many that cannot restrain from abuse. It should be unlawful for employers to define what medications my doctor prescribes to me or anyone. We have let the lawyers and the ignorant decide what allows us to survive in this chaos of repression we call a free society. Robot doctors are overriding the decisions prescribed by my doctor of over 40 years. Hippocratic oaths are now broken in the name of government infringement on our rights."
- Mag...
- Taken for 2 to 5 years
- September 26, 2019
For Anxiety "In 2015, my surgeon gave me 10mg Valium to help with post-op anxiety. I took it twice, but 10mg knocked me out, so I’d split the pill and take 5mg. I also have severe anxiety and depression and am prone to panic attacks, but I’d never taken meds for it (never asked). I had a couple of panic attacks during recovery, took 5mg Valium, and it was like night and day. In 15 minutes, I felt calm, relaxed, and “normal” again. I rarely have panic attacks now, but my anxiety can be severe, so I’ll take a 1/4 pill (2.5mg), and it takes the edge off. I find the effects last for quite a while and rarely have to take more than 2.5mg/day, and rarely take it more than 2 days in a row. I feel “normal” most of the time, but when my anxiety is too high, I’m glad I have it to take the edge off. I don’t have an addictive personality, so I don’t know if I’d ever feel like I “had to” take it to feel good, I just take it when nothing else is helping my level of anxiety go down."
Frequently asked questions
- Val...
- Taken for 10 years or more
- December 28, 2019
For Anxiety "Been taking Valium since April 1969 after I blacked out while working for NASA. This is January 2019, tried to lower the dose to limit my use. During two weeks, I had another blackout. Once I started taking Valium, I had no other issues with thinking clearly, nor had any more blackouts. I am a Vietnam Veteran, 77 years old. Some doctors will not give you Valium if you are 75 years old."
- Anx...
- Taken for 10 years or more
- April 8, 2014
For Anxiety "I've been on just about every benzodiazepine there is, and Valium (diazepam) is all around the best for combating debilitating anxiety symptoms. It may not be the most potent benzo, but it has wide and equal benzo effects, including sedation, muscle relaxation, anxiolytic, anticonvulsant, and can be used for insomnia. Now, the main reason why Valium is the best is its extra-long half-life. Its effects can linger for days, which is helpful if you have chronic anxiety. It also prevents those ups and downs short-acting benzos cause like Xanax and Ativan. Another thing to note is withdrawal from Valium is by far the most mild out of all the benzos. This wonderful medication is an oldie but goodie."
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Your review helps others make informed decisions.- Anonymous
- October 19, 2015
For Anxiety "I have had very bad anxiety since I was in my teens. Tried all sorts of other tablets, nothing worked for me. I couldn't leave the house, no girlfriends. Then I was put on Valium (diazepam). I take 10mg in the morning and 10mg at night and have done for 24 years. Changed my life. Got a great job, married, 2 kids, never took more than I was given. The doctors tried to get me off it, I tried to come off it but went back into my head, fear of going to work, fear of going out. So went back on diazepam and was able to work, be a husband, father. This drug saved my life. It makes me so mad because of dope heads selling it and giving it a bad name. The only thing is make sure you stick to your dose, and never just stop taking it."
- sha...
- Taken for 5 to 10 years
- June 3, 2020
For Anxiety "Valium is a drug that can be a life saver or destroyer. This drug for me helps me as long as I have it under control. I find myself always having to be wary of my dosage. This allows me to pretty much go about my normal life, allows me to function, think, and gives me the motivation and willingness to do the things I need to do. When on these and under control, I find a lot of aspects of my life all coming together, whereas without it, I feel helpless. Too much Valium daily, however, leads to depersonalization and impulsiveness. Before you know it, you will be turning into something else, it is only in hindsight that this becomes apparent. As quickly as this can help improve your life, it can crumble it. CONTROL YOUR DOSAGE. So if you can control yourself absolutely, I would recommend, but be wary, it is very easy to lead yourself down the path of a benzo addiction. I have done this, become clean, and reused several times now."
- Dee...
- Taken for 2 to 5 years
- October 14, 2020
For Anxiety "I use Valium for anxiety, very low dose half a pill, only when needed. 15 Valium tablets last me 3 months on average as I only take them for panic attacks. I’m not addicted. When Valium is used correctly your tolerance level stays the same and you have no side effects here, because I don’t take them daily."
- Wot...
- January 17, 2017
For Anxiety "I was suicidal at age 25. Anxiety and Depression. Diazepam saved my life. I started on 5mg 3 times a day for a week, cut down to 2 for a week, then one at night under doctor's orders. Also, one Prozac in the mornings 20 mg. I felt better straight away. Don't let anyone scare you from taking Diazepam, yes they are addictive, BUT my quality of life since taking it has been as a 'normal' person. I really can't praise it enough as I know I wouldn't be here and living a good life without it. If the tablets help, then why not take them. Thanks for reading."
- BS1...
- Taken for 1 to 2 years
- August 26, 2019
For Anxiety "After taking Xanax off and on for years, I developed a problem with it making me more anxious when it wore off, like a lot of heart palpitations, sweating, fear. I was switched over to Valium 6mg for two years and then advised to withdraw to see how I went. I’ve spent the last six months tapering and been off for 7 weeks and I’m miserable. I have returned PTSD and depression. So, I guess I didn’t go well and am going to reinstate 2mg a day to get my life back. When I take it I have no side effects and feel alive. I didn’t hit tolerance before. I say yes to Valium if you need it to feel normal and don’t abuse."
- Mar...
- Taken for 10 years or more
- January 8, 2024
For Anxiety "Just one 5mg diazepam tablet keeps me balanced for the entire day. It doesn't make me drowsy at all. In fact, I feel more normal. Anxiety is not healthy... Diazepam helps me stay grounded and handle everything better. I have used it responsibly and successfully for over 20 years. I'm not a person who gets addicted. Diazepam is a tool for my physical and mental health."
- Asu...
- February 11, 2021
For Anxiety "I am in grief after my son and grandson passed away. I am a totally natural medication person, but I went to see a doctor for the first time in 21 years. I do not get ill, and I have not had the flu in those years as well. The doctor recommended 5mg of Valium. I take a quarter to sleep at times and sometimes I take it in the daytime. I have had no addiction to it, and I have no desire to take more. So all I can say is, thank you Valium for helping me. Arigato."
- Tea...
- Taken for less than 1 month
- March 16, 2019
For Anxiety "I have bad anxiety daily. It has worsened since I stopped taking codeine for pain caused by my tooth. Now I have panic attacks daily. My mind feels dazed, and I zone out. I am on Valium, and it calms me down, but last night I had an attack and I couldn't calm down. My body was calm, but my mind was still freaking out, thinking I am going to go insane. Has anyone else felt this?"
- Nel...
- December 11, 2015
For Anxiety "I have been on diazepam long term, started because of PTSD. It is a mild sedative. If I'm relaxing, I'll get tired, if I'm working, I don't get tired, I just feel no negative feelings. It really is a chill pill. I am in the construction field now and have no issues. If I take one before going to bed, my back pain soothes (Valium is a mild muscle relaxer) and I always seem to have pleasant dreams. I have never had a bad dream since on Valium, but at the same time, it isn't luxurious or fantasy dreams either. It has been a miracle drug for me. I do not like how doctors now like to avoid benzos. Valium is a great medicine. I take 30mg per day generic brand. Hope this helps someone."
- Liz...
- Taken for 2 to 5 years
- August 20, 2013
For Anxiety "All of my life I've had varying levels of social anxiety and agoraphobia, usually without any logical cause. Even riding in cars made me unduly nervous. I had a rough, fear-filled childhood, and that seemed to set me up for chronic nervousness. But there's no room for that in adult life. Valium eliminates the unnecessary anxiety and also helps with muscle spasms from my fibromyalgia. I don't get fatigue from this during the day. I do find that taking one before bed helps me relax my 100-miles-per-hour brain (stupid racing thoughts and worries) plus my muscles don't get all kinked up in knots while I'm sleeping. I've never needed to increase my dose on it even after several years, since it works as well as the day I started it, personally."
- Rel...
- November 26, 2019
For Anxiety "I'm a Vietnam vet. Panic anxiety attacks. This medication Valium works very well with me. It is truly the only medication that I have taken that takes the insomnia away. I can relax, I can go about my day. It works very well. I'm very well pleased with it. I have no more anxiety panic attacks. I take 10 mg two times a day. And since I'm a veteran, all my medication is free so I paid nothing for it."
- Mom...
- Taken for less than 1 month
- August 6, 2019
For Anxiety "This drug has given me my life back. I no longer feel an overwhelming amount of fear and anxiety, which left me sluggish and “frozen”. I now feel as if I can do my normal chores and errands without any hesitation! I do feel tired at times. And then, at times, I have lots of energy, but I feel better than I have in years!"
- Pai...
- Taken for 1 to 6 months
- December 21, 2019
For Anxiety "I have been dependent on morphine and oxycodone in high doses for 20 years. Then someone suggested Suboxone, worst decision of my life. I was on it for 8 months and it worked as directed, I was very happy, but started reading about PAWS (Post-acute Withdrawal Syndrome) and started to wean down. Well, anxiety, panic attacks, and confusion hit me like a ton of bricks. Buprenorphine is a horrible drug to get off of. I would rather have gone through full opiate detox than those. Tried Klonopin, Xanax, both were a waste and very addicting! But I was tried on one 10 mg Valium, and I have not felt that normal in ages. I am very leery of any pharmaceutical and don’t take it daily, sometimes I put it away for a month. It has truly given my life back, but I’m still on a drug. I want to be off everything, and I don’t know if that will ever be. But for now, I’m not clenching my teeth all day and tossing all night, so I’m grateful. Thanks, doc, for taking a risk on me."
- anx...
- Taken for 10 years or more
- October 14, 2015
For Anxiety "I took Valium for nearly 20 years for anxiety and functioned just great. My doctor retired, and I had to find another. He is weaning me off, now down to 2.5mg twice a day. I am miserable! I'm stuck in my home, can't sleep, and my heart and stomach are going wild. I don't know how much more of this I can stand! I feel I'm going to have a heart attack. I've lost so much weight, I look terrible. And my doctor doesn't seem to notice or even care. He says he cannot be prescribing it. I am not a dope head. I am a 53-year-old grandma who needs help. My children worry about me all the time. What is a person to do? Go to the street? I don't know that kind of life and don't want to. I can't afford a psychiatrist, just a doctor that cares!"
- Pat...
- Taken for 2 to 5 years
- March 10, 2019
For Anxiety "My prescription says I can take 5mg to 10mg if I have an anxiety attack (or sleep problem) and I am allowed to repeat if I need it 12 hours later. It takes me many months to go through 30 tablets. I think it works well and it doesn't make me feel vegged out. *Note: I can't report on using it for sleep. I'm very concerned with anyone taking it every day, as I think this is begging for problems with addiction and tolerance. I've gone without it for over a month, so I think taking it only as needed is the best way to avoid addiction. For those saying things like never take a Benzo? Chill out, your problem is not everyone's experience."
- bre...
- Taken for 2 to 5 years
- March 9, 2013
For Anxiety "I'm 36, have social anxiety, GAD, TMJ, fibromyalgia, muscle spasms, cluster headaches, & herniated vertebrae. I've taken everything, including 12 years on a high dose of Xanax. After finally convincing a doc to prescribe me Valium, I felt like a different person. It kicks in fast, but its long half-life prevents that awful anxiety rebound effect. I find that Valium has a powerful (yet feels gentle) calmative effect on the body as well - which is absolutely wonderful when my muscles & joints are tight. Valium is hands down the best benzo anti-anxiety medication out there."
- Dre...
- September 28, 2015
For Anxiety "I am a 65-year-old male. My nurse practitioner is trying to wean me off Valium after taking it (5 mg) since I was 23, that's 43 years. It has been doing its job for me. It gave me back my life. I have extreme anxiety disorders. My original physician gave me no hassle. He passed away, and I had to get a new doctor. Things were fine until this past year when out of the blue, she recommended me getting off the drug. I never abused it, but she is adamant about it. So, I am trying, truly am. It's not going too well. I am wondering if I should find a new doctor and take my records there. I think my age has something to do with it, but getting off it is almost a nightmare. Does anyone have any suggestions? I really would like some feedback from others."
- Sev...
- Taken for 5 to 10 years
- June 24, 2019
For Anxiety "Excellent drug, just make sure to use it as prescribed. It is good for anxiety and also very helpful with muscle and lower back issues (slipped discs). Long-term use will need a slow taper for some people as this chemical is a GABAergic and all drugs in this class should be tapered. I have used long term with no ill effects or issues."
- Gri...
- Taken for 2 to 5 years
- September 10, 2019
For Muscle Spasm "I’ve been on many muscle relaxants for my many ailments and nothing worked. My surgeon after my first operation put me on diazepam for the horrendous spasms that wake me in the middle of the night in severe pain, and I’ve been taking it now for years at night under close supervision. I do not have to take as much medication during the day. Works great and no side effects. I don’t take them every night just as needed."
- Way...
- Taken for 10 years or more
- December 22, 2013
For Anxiety "Valium has been a lifesaver for me. I probably wouldn't be here without it. I suffer from severe anxiety, panic disorder, and clinical depression. This has gotten me through some very bad times when I thought I was dying and couldn't cope. I take 10mg during bad spells, and it gets me through."
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For Anxiety "I have been on Valium since 2011 after the sudden passing of my husband. I have always had severe generalized anxiety and was never adequately treated for it, just given Seroquel which made me non-functional. The loss of my husband exacerbated the anxiety condition, and I began suffering from insomnia as well. My doctor tried me on a variety of benzodiazepine meds which didn’t last long enough in my system to give me adequate relief. We eventually gave diazepam a try, and it worked so well. I started on 20mg a day, and over the years, I have tapered to a comfortable dose of 10mg daily. It does not make me sleepy or loopy but takes the edge off enough that I can care for my children and function in daily life. Yes, there is a bit of dependence, but for me, it’s worth it to be somewhat addicted rather than struggle to cope with terrible anxiety symptoms every day. I do recommend Valium as an effective anxiolytic, however, I would say to be aware of the potential for abuse and dependence."