What is the brand name for Diazepam?
The brand name for Diazepam is Valium.
PTCE Top 200 · #183
Diazepam
Valium
Diazepam is the generic name for the brand-name drug Valium. It is a benzodiazepine used to treat anxiety, seizures, alcohol withdrawal. On the PTCE Top 200 drug list, Diazepam ranks #183 and is one of the most frequently tested cns/psych medications — commonly quizzed on its brand–generic pair, drug class, and key side effects.
| Generic name | Diazepam |
|---|---|
| Brand name(s) | Valium |
| Drug class | Benzodiazepine |
| Class group | CNS/Psych |
| Common use | anxiety, seizures, alcohol withdrawal |
| DEA schedule | C-IV |
| Availability | Prescription only (Rx) |
What is Diazepam used for?
Management of anxiety disorders, acute alcohol withdrawal, muscle spasm, status epilepticus/seizure emergencies, and other uses depending on formulation.
What drug class is Diazepam?
Diazepam is a Benzodiazepine in the CNS/Psych group. Knowing the class is the fastest way to predict its uses, side effects, and the brand↔generic pairs the PTCE tests.
Common side effects of Diazepam
- arrow_rightDrowsiness
- arrow_rightFatigue
- arrow_rightMuscle weakness
- arrow_rightAtaxia
- arrow_rightConfusion
- arrow_rightDizziness
- arrow_rightSlurred speech
Major interactions
- arrow_rightOpioids (boxed warning: profound sedation/respiratory depression)
- arrow_rightAlcohol and other CNS depressants (additive sedation/respiratory depression)
- arrow_rightCYP3A4/CYP2C19 inhibitors (e.g., ketoconazole, cimetidine, omeprazole) may increase diazepam levels
- arrow_rightCYP inducers (e.g., rifampin, carbamazepine) may decrease diazepam levels
- arrow_rightOther sedatives (sleep meds, antihistamines) increase impairment
Is Diazepam a controlled substance?
Yes. Diazepam is a C-IV controlled substance under federal law.
warning Boxed warning
Risks from concomitant use with opioids; abuse, misuse, and addiction; and dependence and withdrawal reactions.
How to remember Diazepam (PTCE mnemonic)
VAL-ium VALues calm — diazepam is LONG-acting C-IV benzo (long T½ + active metabolite). Status epilepticus, alcohol withdrawal, muscle spasm; falls in elderly (Beers); flumazenil reverses.
lightbulb
PTCE exam tip
Diazepam is the LONG half-life benzodiazepine (alcohol withdrawal, seizures) — Schedule IV, with the class boxed warning against combining with opioids.
Diazepam FAQ
What is Diazepam used for?
Diazepam is used to treat anxiety, seizures, alcohol withdrawal. Management of anxiety disorders, acute alcohol withdrawal, muscle spasm, status epilepticus/seizure emergencies, and other uses depending on formulation.
What drug class is Diazepam?
Diazepam is a Benzodiazepine (CNS/Psych group).
Is Diazepam a controlled substance?
Yes. Diazepam is a C-IV controlled substance under federal law.
Related drugs in the CNS/Psych group
Drill Diazepam the way the PTCE asks it
RxReflex turns the Top 200 drugs into fast flashcard rounds, a guided Learn path, pharmacy math, and 40+ cheat sheets. Free to start.
Last reviewed June 25, 2026. Educational use only — not medical advice. Verify clinical specifics with your pharmacist or a current label source such as DailyMed. RxReflex is not affiliated with or endorsed by the Pharmacy Technician Certification Board (PTCB).