Effectiveness
Users report improvement82%
Side Effects
Reported side effects25%
Would Recommend
To others with same condition80%
Avg. Duration
Average reported usage duration1-2 years
Side Effects Frequency
Percentage of users reporting each side effect
Sentiment Analysis
User sentiment from reviews and feedback
Positive
60%Neutral / Mixed
22%Negative
18%Featured User Reviews
Recent experiences from users
SC
Positive
6/13/2025
Just don’t use long term even if you use it a couple times a week you can still create a dependency on it after a while because it has a half life of 3+ days or so. I’m currently tapering off simply because I want to be off everything.
It worked wonders for me but I was also on a higher dosage. My anxiety would get so bad that it just made me feel normal. Not tired or dazed.
73
Neutral
7/16/2023
Diazepam is a benzo, the longer you take it the lesser the effect is as your body will create tolerance to it. Always follow your doctor's instructions and if you've been taking it non stop for a while, never stop taking it all at once, you need to lower the dose before quitting. Diazepam is also used as a muscle relaxant (or whatever the term is in English) so it's normal to feel some pain relief. It also works as an anxiety drug, so with such a low dose you've been prescribed, I don't think you'll get to sleep thanks to the drug itself, but it might help you to relax and with anxiety. In my experience, less than 5 mg won't make you sleep, and where I'm from, doctors won't give you diazepam for a sleeping disorder unless it's highly related to stress and anxiety. I'm not a doctor...
JE
Positive
11/17/2023
2 mg first dose is nothing but take that consistently and 2 mg will start to feel very strong have 15 years of Valium experience
SC
Positive
6/13/2025
Just don’t use long term even if you use it a couple times a week you can still create a dependency on it after a while because it has a half life of 3+ days or so. I’m currently tapering off simply because I want to be off everything.
It worked wonders for me but I was also on a higher dosage. My anxiety would get so bad that it just made me feel normal. Not tired or dazed.
CL
Positive
4/6/2025
Very effective longer-lasting benzo; I took it for a long flight and made me very relaxed.
TH
Mixed
4/6/2025
I had to use it during a time where my nervous system was severely dis regulated after a tried a medication for my mental health.
Unfortunately, I ended up physically dependent (not addicted, per my psych) on it very very easily. It took me 12 months of tiny liquid micro doses to finally be free of it.
There are still days I wish I could take it to calm my anxiety but I lean on things my therapist suggests now instead. Not a perfect fix, uncomfortable at times, but better than where I was. I’m still mad that the medication I had a reaction to permanently messed up my brain.
RE
Positive
4/6/2025
Yes, it does work. I’ve tried every other type of meditation without success. Valium works for me but I only take it as and when I need it (probably not as often as I should).
Despite the fact I’m 6ft tall and 90kg, I’m what’s known in the medical profession as “A complete lightweight”. The most I take in a day is 5mg but I often only take half the tablet. Even that puts me in a state of ease.
BP
Positive
4/6/2025
About 2 weeks ago I started taking 10mg of Valium 4x per day and it changed my life. I had severe anxiety and panic attacks but now I'm a new man. I am living a (semi) normal life. Although I still have a lot of work to do concerning my self esteem with my psychologist but things are going a lot better since starting Valium. It help manage the daily torture.
AD
Positive
4/6/2025
I use it when my panic attacks build up and I can't control them, which doesn't happen often. It's the o ly drug that's worked for me so far.
DU
Positive
4/6/2025
Good for long flights if you're a nervous flyer. It works well for panic attacks but makes me drowsy... works much better then the fake shit they give out like clonodine and L theanine.
Also Propanolol is a good thing maybe to discuss for physcial symptoms, its non addictive and legit the best thing in helping me.
EH
Mixed
4/6/2025
It's more physical relaxing, but I have a better anxiety relief with xanax. Valium is supposed to be long lasting, but I don't feel it that much longer than xanax. Yet half life is like two days.
SH
Positive
4/6/2025
Had it a couple of times. Both for dental surgery, and they could cut my arms off, and I would have smiled. Good stuff, but for me, it has been used to cope with extra anxiety situations which, for me, is medical procedures.
JE
Positive
4/6/2025
It has helped me tremendously with sleep and panic attacks. I’m fortunate my dr is prescribing it to me for now along with Ativan but I find that very ineffective. I have to take to .5mg of Ativan to even get to a somewhat level of calmness. I’m suffering with pretty bad panic attacks lately. Almost daily. But the Valium has been a game changer for my sleep and if I need to take one for severe panic it helps I just can’t use when I’m working or I’m tired. So I use them sparingly.
GR
Positive
5/30/2025
My GP prescribes me valium to take as needed which is exactly what I do. I don't find it addictive at all and can start and stop as required. Went two weeks recently without needing one. I have zero discernable side effects with it, and find it's really calming. I use it primarily for anxiety (mostly health after cancer treatment and then finding a significantly blocked LAD on a CAC CT). Also off label for tremors which it's also good for. I've never taken more than 5mg at any one time. It's the best med among the many I take.
FA
Mixed
6/18/2025
My doctor put me on 10mg 3 times a day. I feel like it's a bit extreme and I'm so sleepy all the time. I mean it does work but I don't want to be dependent on it forever
[D
Negative
8/5/2025
I'm taking it now. It gives me gingivitis, burning gums and peeling sore lips, so I have to wean off. It stops working after a while so be aware of that. I don't know if I'll get withdrawals or not.
GB
Positive
8/12/2025
I was prescribed 10 tablets for insomnia many years ago. I made the whole 10 tablets last 14 months by only taking half a pill only when I was really having trouble sleeping.
With this infrequent use I had no side effects whatsoever. When I did take it, I thought it was the greatest drug around. I would drift into a sound sleep, sleep undisturbed all night and wake up feeling no groginess after a minute or two.
I have since tried to get a prescription (in Australia) during bouts of insomnia, for use in the same way that I described, but no doctor will prescribe it to me now. Instead they will only give Temazepam, which I find is a far inferior substitute.
MU
Positive
9/24/2025
I’ve tried several meds for anxiety over the years and Valium is the best one by far. I did not like Xanax (too strong and that was .25 haha). Lorazepam works ok but is more sedating. Most SSRIs were too stimulating—Fluvoxamine was the only one I tolerated. Valium, I can take 2 mg once in the morning and be calm, but still alert. There really aren’t any side effects from Valium like there are with SSRIs. I was prescribed 2 mg once a day or as needed and I probably only refilled about every 45-50 days, and this was for about 3 years. Some weeks I took it every day, other weeks I maybe took it once or not at all. If going on a flight or attending an anxiety-provoking event, I would take 2. But that was maybe 1-2x a month. I never took more than 5 mg in...
NE
Positive
12/7/2025
I had migraines for decades and many trips to ER. I started Valium for something unrelated but when I feel a migraine coming on, (they often last 3 days), one Valium and migraine is gone in an hour. Also helps with muscle stiffness, and some anxiety. I don’t get ”high” from it. take it maybe 3x a week. The only side effect is maybe some body heaviness. It’s been a life saver. But most doctors won’t prescribe it, idky. They often want you on daily prescriptions, not on things that are not taken “as needed”. Also good if I can’t sleep. But it doesn’t maje me sleepy otherwise. In fact, it helps me get going and doing things because it removes some anxiety obstacle that holds me down.
IM
Negative
3/18/2023
Warning about vaginal Valium (diazepam) suppositories (my experience) TLDR: You may not have a similar experience to me if you take vaginal Valium, but if anyone tries to tell you it is not like taking a benzo orally and that it will not affect you neurologically and you will not have to go through benzodiazepine withdrawal when you stop, take it with a major grain of salt (edit: or better yet, do not believe them). I experienced all of those things. I just wanted to share here what my experience was like using and quitting vaginal Valium. I want to warn anyone who is searching for info of the potential risks (via the lens of my experience) so you can make a more informed choice if your doctor suggests that you use it. First of all, I was initially told by my doctor that it wouldn't affect me neurologically when...
VI
Positive
1/20/2025
I was given Diazepam (the generic) before an extraction a couple of times. I did not notice anything as far as feeling any different taking it. It was one the night before and one again a couple hours before in the morning. As far as I can tell though it did help with the anxiety of the extraction.
[D
Positive
1/20/2025
Valium used to knock me out. I haven't taken it in many years, though. Since your body is not used to it, you will be slow, relaxed, and possibly sleepy. Have another person drive you, for safety's sake.
The valium will wear off after 4-6 hours and you'll be back to normal.
DI
Positive
1/20/2025
Wow, which country is this? I'd love to get dental done there.
I had Diazepam from an ER visit in America when my whole back spasmed. Valium itself isn't a pain killer, so you're going to get something else for that.
I have anxiety issues that I've never had diagnosed. My mom has panic disorder and some other stuff which has been diagnosed and basically I'm like a male version of her. Anyway, if you get too high a dose you are going to be completely out of it. But the right dose will make you feel like a weight has been lifted from your shoulders. So...re....lax...ing. I told my wife - never let me get anything more than a short prescription because I would be addicted (and it is highly addictive btw).
TH
Positive
1/20/2025
It's wonderful. By the time you get in the chair, you'll be like a bowl of Jello. Zero anxiety. You'll be awake, but couldn't care less if they cut your arm off. No kidding. Bliss. You'll be totally relaxed, which is way better for you and the dentist.
Valium typically causes short-term amnesia. You'll moan. Five seconds later, you can't remember why you moaned. Five more seconds, and you can't remember moaning.
You go home. You sleep for 2 to 3 hours. You wake up groggy and don't remember going to the dentist.
PH
Positive
5/13/2024
My symptoms are tightness, aching, sometimes stabbing pain that all seem triggered by either consuming something that flares my bladder/urethra, or from physical movement like lifting or moving a heavy object, and sometimes BMs. Initially I thought the Valium suppositories were locally irritating so I put them aside and kept trying other modes (breathing, warm soaks, etc.). However, I saw some folks in this sub suggest inserting them rectally instead of vaginally and this was far less irritating. I now actually reserve them for when nothing else seems to help and I find they do the trick at bedtime when things won’t calm down enough to let me sleep. Mine were prescribed by my Uro-Gyn. Hope you find the help you’re looking for!!!
[D
Positive
5/13/2024
Yes I benefited from them tremendously. They allowed me to sleep and worked well during PT to relax everything. I used the benzo in syringe format.
CH
Positive
5/14/2024
My flare up symptoms consist of constant urgency feeling and extremely tight vaginal muscles I’m not sure how to describe the feeling other than it’s so tight it burns I imagine my pelvic muscles like if my hand was in a fist and was clenching as hard as it could 24/7. My last flare up I asked for a muscle relaxer and they gave me diazepam which can be taken orally or vaginally. By the time I could get into the doctor my flare up was pretty much over other than some lingering urgency symptoms. I took the diazepam orally and within an hour my urgency symptoms went away. If anything I’m thinking it won’t completely get rid of a flare but it’ll definitely help it be more manageable to get through it. My urologist prescribed it.
AC
Mixed
12/11/2023
I did precisely that.
If helped, until it didn't (you develop a tolerance quite easily). And then tapering off was THE WORST NIGHTMARE IMAGINABLE. It's not possible to overstress how bad it is.
That said, I still think it's really useful, I just wouldn't recommend taking it every day long term, especially not jumping right in to it. Tbh I think it's better to use as needed and judiciously.
AR
Positive
12/11/2023
If you want to make sure you don’t develop dependency while you’re taking it regularly I would take a break for a couple/three days after every ten days so that you can feel if it’s starting to cause difficult symptoms before they become impossible to get through. This strategy should keep you safe for a few months. I take 5 mg Valium as needed, some periods several days in a row, some weeks I take none. At least I get breaks from the worst of the worst when I just can’t cope.
NO
Positive
1/1/2024
Based off of my experience, if used responsibly with a lot of vigilance, Valium is a great tool to use for anxiety and can help put a dead stop to the vicious cycle of stress response and worsened fatigue. When my CFS and anxiety was at its worst, I took 5mg x 1 every day in the morning for six weeks under strict guidance of my doctor. It helped stabilise me and actually allowed me to rest and start healing. After the six weeks I felt I didn’t need it any longer. I had no trouble stopping taking it, and I remained stable and calm well after stopping it (but beware, I’m sure you’ve already heard that a lot of people have a hellish nightmare getting off of Valium and other benzos). I rarely need it anymore these days, I haven’t taken any for 4 months now. But it eases...
Effects Overview
Side effects and benefits reported by users
Anxiety Management
The Anxiety Management category represents the various ways in which diazepam helps users cope with anxiety-related issues. Users frequently report significant reductions in anxiety levels, leading to a calmer state of mind. Common examples include anxiety relief, stabilization of mood, and effective management of panic attacks. This category highlights the medication's role in promoting emotional stability and reducing feelings of anxiety.
Examples: anxiety reduction, anxiety relief, calm
51%
reported
Sleep Improvement
The Sleep Improvement category encompasses the benefits of diazepam in enhancing sleep quality. Users often report improved sleep patterns and a greater ability to rest, which contributes to overall well-being. Key examples include improved sleep and effective sleep aids, indicating the medication's role in facilitating restful nights. This category underscores the importance of quality sleep in maintaining mental and physical health.
Examples: improved sleep, sleep aid
15%
reported
Muscle Relaxation
The Muscle Relaxation category highlights how diazepam aids in relieving muscle tension and discomfort. Users frequently mention muscle relaxation as a primary benefit, along with improvements in specific trigger points and management of tremors. This category illustrates the medication's effectiveness in alleviating physical strain and promoting relaxation in the body.
Examples: muscle relaxation
13%
reported
General Well-being
The General Well-being category reflects the overall sense of health and comfort that users experience while taking diazepam. Reports often include feelings of normalcy and relaxation, indicating a positive impact on mental and emotional states. Key examples such as calm sensation and relaxation highlight the medication's role in enhancing users' quality of life. This category emphasizes the holistic benefits of diazepam in promoting a sense of well-being.
Examples: feeling normal, relaxed
10%
reported
Pain Relief
The Pain Relief category showcases the effectiveness of diazepam in alleviating various types of pain. Users commonly report significant pain relief, including reductions in migraine symptoms. This category includes examples such as reduced pain and migraine relief, emphasizing the medication's role in managing discomfort. It highlights the importance of addressing pain for overall health and well-being.
Examples: pain relief
8%
reported
Nausea Relief
The Nausea Relief category focuses on the benefits of diazepam in alleviating feelings of nausea. Users report that the medication effectively addresses nausea, providing much-needed relief. This category is essential for those who experience nausea as a side effect of other conditions or treatments. It underscores the importance of managing nausea for improved comfort and quality of life.
Examples: nausea relief
3%
reported