Panic Disorder Treatment Valium (Diazepam) for Panic Disorder By Katharina Star, PhD facebook linkedin 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 Katharina Star, PhD Medically reviewed by 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. Learn about our Review Board Steven Gans, MD Updated on February 19, 2021 Print Frank van Delft / Cultura / Getty Images Table of Contents View All Table of Contents What Is Valium? Uses How It Works Side Effects Potential for Misuse Precautions 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: Anxiety disorders Anxiety associated with alcohol withdrawal Anxiety associated with bipolar disorder Generalized anxiety disorder Muscle spasms Panic disorder (with or without agoraphobia) Seizures 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. What Are the Risks Associated With Taking Valium? 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. Coping With Panic Disorders During Pregnancy 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. Was this page helpful? Thanks for your feedback! Learn the best ways to manage stress and negativity in your life. Sign Up You're in! Thank you, {{form.email}}, for signing up. There was an error. Please try again. What are your concerns? Other Inaccurate Hard to Understand Submit Article 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. Locke AB, Kirst N, Schultz C. Diagnosis and management of generalized anxiety disorder and panic disorder in adults. Am Fam Physician. March 2015. Ngo DH, Vo TS. An updated review on pharmaceutical properties of gamma-aminobutyric acid. Molecules. 2019;24(15). doi:10.3390/molecules24152678 Genentech, Inc. Valium Prescribing Information. Food and Drug Administration (FDA). 2016. Drug Enforcement Administration. Benzodiazepines. Updated July 2019. Additional Reading Batelaan NM, Van BalkomStein AJ, Stein D. Evidence-based pharmacotherapy of panic disorder: An update. The International Journal of Neuropsychopharmacology. April 2012;15(3):403-415. doi:10.1017/S1461145711000800. Hoffman EJ, Mathew SJ. Anxiety disorders: A comprehensive review of pharmacotherapies. Mount Sinai Journal of Medicine. 2008;75(3):248–262. doi:10.1002/msj.20041. Silverman HM. The Pill Book. 14th ed. New York, NY: Bantam Books; 2010.