Valium (Diazepam) for Panic Disorder

By
Katharina Star, PhD
Katharina Star
Katharina Star, PhD
Katharina Star, PhD, is an expert on anxiety and panic disorder. Dr. Star is a professional counselor, and she is trained in creative art therapies and mindfulness.
Learn about our editorial process
Updated on February 19, 2021
Medically reviewed by
Steven Gans, MD
Steven Gans
Medically reviewed by Steven Gans, MD
on February 18, 2021

Steven Gans, MD is board-certified in psychiatry and is an active supervisor, teacher, and mentor at Massachusetts General Hospital.

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If you have panic disorder, medication can be a useful part of your recovery plan. Valium (diazepam) is one type of anti-anxiety medication that's used to treat panic disorder and other conditions.

What Is Valium?

Valium is the trademark name for the anti-anxiety drug diazepam, a type of benzodiazepine. Anti-anxiety medications that are classified as benzodiazepines, such as Valium, are also known as sedatives due to their tranquilizing and calming effects.

Other types of frequently prescribed benzodiazepines include:

  • Ativan (lorazepam)
  • Klonopin (clonazepam)
  • Xanax (alprazolam)

Valium and these other common benzodiazepines can help reduce the intensity of panic attacks, nervousness, and anxiety.

Uses

Valium can be used to treat anxiety as well as a number of other mental health and medical conditions. It also acts as an anticonvulsant and may also be used to treat anxiety associated with certain illnesses. Other conditions it may be used to treat include:

How Valium Treats Panic Disorder

Valium impacts gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA) receptors. GABA is a neurotransmitter in the brain that is connected to the regulation of sleep, relaxation, and anxiety. When influencing the GABA receptors, Valium slows down the central nervous system (CNS).

This action decreases your feelings of nervousness and agitation and produces a sense of calm and relaxation. In this way, Valium also helps lessen the intensity of panic attacks and other anxiety symptoms.

Valium is a fast-acting medication that quickly helps lower anxiety and other symptoms of panic disorder. Valium gets into your system rapidly, but can also build up over time, which can sometimes make it challenging to find the most effective and safe dose of Valium.

Benzodiazapines are sometimes prescribed in the initial phase of treatment for panic disorder, alongside psychotherapy and selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs). SSRIs take some weeks to work, and efforts are then made to taper the benzodiazipines after the other treatments have decreased symptoms.

Side Effects

Due to their effectiveness and relative safety, benzodiazepines are often prescribed to treat anxiety disorders and other conditions. However, all medications have side effects that you may or may not experience. Some of the most common side effects of Valium include:

  • Confusion
  • Dizziness and lightheadedness
  • Drowsiness
  • Fatigue
  • Lack of coordination and unsteadiness
  • Weakness

Most side effects should go away or lessen over time. Consult your doctor if side effects worsen or become unmanageable.

Potential for Misuse

Valium, along with all other benzodiazepines, is classified as a controlled substance. It is possible to misuse Valium and to develop both a physical and emotional dependence on this medication.

Symptoms of Valium Withdrawal

If you become dependent on Valium, it can be difficult to discontinue use of the medication due to the potential for withdrawal symptoms, including:

  • Anxiety
  • Excessive sweating
  • Seizures
  • Tremors
  • Vomiting

Your doctor will likely discuss strategies to lower the risk of possible misuse and dependence. They will then review the risks and benefits of continuing on Valium over time.

Do not attempt to reduce or stop your dosage on your own. To keep you from experiencing withdrawal symptoms, your doctor will help you gradually lower your dosage of Valium.

Other Precautions When Taking Valium

There are several precautions to consider when taking Valium.

Medical History

Caution should be taken if you have a history of certain medical conditions. Talk to your doctor before taking Valium if you have been diagnosed with these or any other medical condition:

  • Depression
  • Drug or alcohol use disorders
  • Kidney disease
  • Liver disease
  • Lung disease
  • Myasthenia gravis
  • Narrow-angle glaucoma
  • Sleep apnea

Allergic Reaction

As with any medication, you can potentially have an allergic reaction to Valium. This medication should not be taken if you have a history of being sensitive or allergic to Valium.

Some signs of an allergic reaction include:

  • Difficulty breathing
  • Difficulty swallowing
  • Itching
  • Skin rash
  • Swelling of the face, tongue, mouth, or throat

These symptoms can be serious or even potentially life-threatening. Seek immediate medical care if you show signs of an allergic reaction.

Drug Interactions

Valium depresses the central nervous system. Alcohol and medications that similarly slow down the central nervous system should be avoided while you're taking Valium.

To prevent unwanted drug interactions, let your doctor know what prescription and over-the-counter medications you are taking.

Drowsiness

Dizziness, lightheadedness, and drowsiness are common side effects of Valium. Be cautious when driving or performing other tasks that require awareness and concentration until you have become more familiar with how Valium affects you.

Pregnancy and Nursing

Valium can be passed on to a child during pregnancy or while breastfeeding. Discuss the potential risks of taking Valium while pregnant or nursing with your doctor.

Older Adults

The side effects of Valium are typically more noticeable for older adults. To limit these effects, a change in dosage may be necessary.

A Word From Verywell

The information provided here is intended to provide an overview of the use of Valium for panic disorder. This summary does not outline every possible situation, such as potential side effects, outcomes, complications, or precautions and contraindications associated with Valium.

Any questions or concerns you may have about your prescription should be addressed with your doctor or pharmacist.

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4 Sources
Verywell Mind uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read our editorial process to learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy.

  1. Locke AB, Kirst N, Schultz C. Diagnosis and management of generalized anxiety disorder and panic disorder in adults. Am Fam Physician. March 2015.

  2. Ngo DH, Vo TS. An updated review on pharmaceutical properties of gamma-aminobutyric acid. Molecules. 2019;24(15). doi:10.3390/molecules24152678

  3. Genentech, Inc. Valium Prescribing Information. Food and Drug Administration (FDA). 2016.

  4. Drug Enforcement Administration. Benzodiazepines. Updated July 2019.

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