Valium dosage, forms, and strengths

Valium forms and strengths

Valium (generic name: diazepam) is available as an intramuscular injection, intravenous injection, and tablet. It is most commonly prescribed and taken as a tablet.  

• Tablet: 2 mg, 5 mg, 10 mg 

• Intramuscular injection: varies 

• Intravenous injection: varies 

Valium dosage for adults 

Valium belongs to a group of medications called benzodiazepines, which work by enhancing the effects of the neurotransmitter gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA) in the brain. The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has approved Valium to treat anxiety disorders, acute seizures, panic attacks, status epilepticus, and acute alcohol withdrawal. Because of its sedative effects, it can also be used as a sedative before surgery and is sometimes prescribed off-label for sleep terrors, sleepwalking, serotonin syndrome, and confusional arousals. 

Valium is safe for many adults, but it is a controlled substance and has the potential to be abused or cause addiction. It may not be the right medication for people with addictive personalities or for those with drug or alcohol problems. 

Source: Epocrates

Valium dosage for children

Valium is only safe for pediatric patients 6 months of age and older to take if approved by a medical doctor. Children have an increased risk of having varied responses to CNS-acting drugs like Valium, so they are almost always started on the lowest dose possible. 

• Standard dosage for children ages 6 months and older: 0.1-10 mg 

• Maximum dosage for children ages 6 months and older: 30 mg

Valium dosage restrictions

People with certain medical conditions may need to have their dose of diazepam adjusted to make sure they stay healthy. Valium is contraindicated for patients with renal and hepatic impairment because of its potential to cause adverse effects such as metabolite accumulation.  

In addition to renally and hepatically impaired patients, people with one or more of the following may need restricted daily doses of Valium to avoid adverse reactions: 

• Pulmonary impairment

• Sleep apnea

• Central nervous system depression

• Depression

• Suicidal thoughts or behavior 

• Porphyra (build up of porphyrin that binds to hemoglobin)

• Liver disease 

• Myasthenia gravis

• Acute narrow-angle glaucoma 

• Breathing problems

• History of drug or alcohol abuse or addiction

Valium dosage for pets 

Valium is used to treat anxiety, lack of appetite, tense muscles, and seizures in cats, dogs, horses, birds, small mammals, and exotic species. The exact amount of Valium animals need will vary based on what kind of animal they are and their specific medical condition, so it’s always best to consult with a veterinarian. 

How to take Valium 

Taking Valium correctly is the best way to make sure it’s as effective as possible. Here’s how to take it: 

• Follow the directions on the prescription label and read all medication guides closely. Your doctor may occasionally change your dose. Never take Valium in larger amounts or for longer than prescribed. Tell your doctor if you feel an increased urge to use more of this medicine.

• Never share this medicine with another person, especially someone with a history of drug abuse or addiction. Drug misuse can cause addiction, overdose, or death. Keep the medication in a place where others cannot get to it. It’s illegal to sell or give away this medicine. 

• Valium should only be used for a short time. Do not take this medicine for longer than four months without your doctor's advice.

• Do not stop using Valium suddenly, even if you feel fine. Stopping suddenly increases the risk of seizures or unpleasant withdrawal symptoms. Follow your doctor's instructions about tapering your dose. 

• Store at room temperature away from moisture, heat, and light. Keep track of your medicine. You should be aware if anyone is using it improperly or without a prescription.

Taking Valium correctly will not only ensure it works as well as it can, but it’s also the best way to avoid common side effects such as:

• Drowsiness

• Muscle weakness

• Constipation

• Fatigue

• Dizziness 

• Blurred vision

• Ataxia ( problems with balance and muscle movement) 

Although it’s rare, Valium can cause more serious side effects that can become life-threatening. Some people will have allergic reactions to Valium that cause trouble breathing, hives, and swelling of the face, throat, or neck. If this happens to you, seek emergency medical care right away.

Valium also comes with a black box warning because it’s easily abused, misused, and can be highly addictive. Taking Valium at the same time as other antidepressants or opioids can cause profound sedation, hypotension, respiratory depression, coma, and death. This is why it’s so important to talk with a doctor before taking Valium and to take it correctly. 

Valium dosage FAQs

How long does it take Valium to work?

Valium can start to work within several minutes if it’s injected and within an hour if it’s taken orally. Aside from drug form, other factors like a patient's weight, level of physical activity, diet, and use of other medications can affect how quickly Valium starts working. The best way to know how quickly Valium will start working for you is to talk with a healthcare professional. 

How long does Valium stay in your system?

Valium has a half-life of about 30-56 hours, which means that a single dose of the drug will be halfway gone from the body in that amount of time. It can take almost 10 days for a single dose of Valium to be completely eliminated from the body if no other doses are taken.  

What happens if I miss a dose of Valium?

If you miss a dose of Valium, take the missed dose as soon as you remember, unless it’s almost time to take your next dose. Never take two doses at one time because this could cause an overdose. 

How long can you take Valium?

Valium is only meant to be taken for a short period of time. Most people will only take the medication for about two to four weeks. It shouldn’t be taken for more than four months without a doctor’s approval.   

How do I stop taking Valium?

Valium should never be stopped abruptly because it can cause seizures and other withdrawal symptoms. If Valium isn’t working for you or causing you to experience too many side effects, your doctor can work with you to taper you off the drug. You might want to consider alternatives to Valium like Prozac (fluoxetine), Elavil (amitriptyline), or Nardil (phenelzine). 

What is the maximum dosage for Valium?

The maximum dosage for Valium will vary based on the medical condition being treated and the age of the patient. The maximum dosage ranges from 10 to 30 mg for adults and 0.2 to 30 mg for kids. 

Can you overdose on Valium?

It’s possible to overdose on Valium. Overdosing can cause serious side effects like extreme drowsiness, limp or weak muscles, slow breathing, loss of coordination, and coma. Overdosing on Valium can be fatal if it’s taken with opioid medications, alcohol, or drugs that cause drowsiness or slow down breathing.

Seek medical advice right away if you’ve overdosed or think you’ve overdosed on Valium. Call the Poison Help line at 1-800-222-1222 or go to the emergency room as soon as possible.  

What interacts with Valium?

Valium shouldn’t be taken alongside certain prescription drugs because of the potential for adverse drug interactions. Do not take Valium with:

• Amifampridine 

• Bupropion

• Dalfampridine

• Alprazolam 

• Fluvoxamine

• Cimetidine

• Omeprazole  

• Barbiturates 

• Ketoconazole 

• Metoclopramide

• Muromonab-CD3 

• MAO inhibitors 

• CNS depressants like phenothiazines and antihistamines 

What happens when you mix Valium and alcohol?

It’s not safe to consume alcohol while taking Valium. As a standalone drug, Valium has the potential to cause respiratory depression and slow or stop your breathing. When it’s taken at the same time as alcohol, it’s even more likely to cause breathing problems that can be fatal. 

Misusing Valium can cause addiction, overdoses, and death. It’s extremely important to take Valium exactly as prescribed and to follow your healthcare provider’s guidelines. 

Is it safe to take Valium during pregnancy?

Valium should only be taken during pregnancy if approved by a medical doctor. If you take Valium while pregnant, your baby could develop a physical dependence on the drug. This can cause life-threatening withdrawal symptoms in the baby after it is born. Babies born dependent on habit-forming medicine may need medical treatment for several weeks. 

Do not breastfeed while using this medicine. Valium passes into breast milk during lactation and may be harmful to infants. 

Related resources for Valium dosages: 

• Valium patient education, Epocrates

• How long does Valium stay in your system, American Addiction Centers

• Diazepam, VCA