PTCB 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 nameDiazepam
Brand name(s)Valium
Drug classBenzodiazepine
Class groupCNS/Psych
Common useanxiety, seizures, alcohol withdrawal
DEA scheduleC-IV
AvailabilityPrescription 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

Major interactions

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 the brand name for Diazepam?

The brand name for Diazepam is Valium.

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.

Study guides that cover Diazepam

Free, in-depth guides to the patterns behind this drug — no app needed.

See all PTCE study guides or browse the full Top 200 drug list.

ios_share Share this drug guide

Know someone cramming the Top 200? Send it their way.

RxReflex app icon

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.

Related drugs in the CNS/Psych group

Written and reviewed by the RxReflex Content Team. 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).