Diazepam, commonly recognized by its trade name Valium, is a medication that belongs to the benzodiazepine family. First introduced in the 1960s, it has since become one of the most prescribed medications globally due to its effectiveness in treating several medical conditions. As a versatile drug, diazepam is used for anxiety disorders, muscle spasms, seizures, alcohol withdrawal symptoms, and as a sedative before medical procedures.
Diazepam is a central nervous system (CNS) depressant. It works by enhancing the activity of a neurotransmitter called gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA) at the GABA-A receptor in the brain.