The brand name of DIAZEPAM, a DRUG in the BENZODIAZEPINE class. Valium was developed at the drug company HoffmanLaRoche, and was first synthesized and introduced in the early 1960s. During that time there was considerable research aimed at developing safer alternatives to the BARBITURATES, which were used as sedatives and relief of anxiety. Librium was developed first, followed soon after by Valium.
Prescriptions for Valium were extremely popular in the 1970s, when it was the most prescribed drug worldwide. The rate of use has decreased since then, as it gradually became apparent the benzodiazepines had fairly high ABUSE POTENTIAL, and could be associated with a WITHDRAWAL syndrome with chronic use. Nevertheless, Valium is still a very useful therapeutic treatment of anxiety, seizures, sleep disorders, muscle spasms, and as an adjunct treatment in certain surgical procedures. Like other benzodiazepines, Valium works by enhancing the action of the inhibitory neurotransmitter GABA. Lower doses of the drug relieve anxiety and induce a sense of well-being; higher doses cause sedation.
ANN E.KELLEY
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