Diazepam
ValiumPubChem CID 3016 · 3D model
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Calms overactive brain activity by boosting the effect of a natural chemical that puts the brakes on nerve signals.
How it works
Diazepam attaches to a receptor in the brain that works with a natural calming chemical called GABA, and it makes that chemical's effect stronger. This lets more negatively charged particles into brain cells, making them less likely to fire off signals. With nerve activity dialed down across the brain, the result is less anxiety, drowsiness, looser muscles, and fewer seizures. That's why it's used for anxiety, muscle spasms, alcohol withdrawal, and as an add-on for seizures.
What it’s used for
Used to treat anxiety disorders and short-term anxiety symptoms. Also used to ease the agitation, shaking, and severe symptoms of alcohol withdrawal. Helps relax muscle spasms caused by injury, inflammation, or certain neurological conditions. Can be added to other seizure medications to help control convulsive disorders, though it's not meant to be used alone for that purpose.
- Mechanism
- GABA-A receptor positive allosteric modulator
- Drug class
- Small molecule
- Therapeutic area
- CNS / Anxiety