Diazepam — best known by the original brand name Valium — is a long-acting benzodiazepine. In the UK it is licensed for short-term relief of severe anxiety, muscle spasm, alcohol withdrawal, and as part of structured tapering from other benzodiazepines.
This page is for adults in the UK who want to understand what diazepam is, when it is appropriate, and how it can be supplied safely through a regulated UK pharmacy. It is not a recommendation to take diazepam — any decision to prescribe is made by a UK-registered clinician after a full assessment.
What is diazepam used for?
- Severe, short-term anxiety that is significantly disabling — typically for no more than 2–4 weeks including any tapering.
- Muscle spasm, including back spasm.
- Alcohol withdrawal under medical supervision.
- Specialist use in epilepsy and certain procedural settings.
NICE specifically recommends that benzodiazepines like diazepam are not used as first-line treatment for generalised anxiety disorder. First-line options are talking therapies (CBT) and SSRIs/SNRIs such as sertraline or escitalopram.
Typical UK adult doses
- Severe short-term anxiety: 2 mg three times daily, increased if needed up to 5–10 mg three times daily.
- Muscle spasm: 2–15 mg daily in divided doses, increased in severe spasm under specialist guidance.
- Older adults: usually half the adult dose.
- Maximum recommended duration: 2–4 weeks including tapering.
Legal and regulatory status in the UK
- POM (Prescription Only Medicine).
- Schedule 4 Part I controlled drug under the Misuse of Drugs Regulations 2001.
- Supply in the UK is regulated by the MHRA.
- Travel: a personal export licence is required for trips abroad of 3 months or more.
Risks and side effects
- Dependence and tolerance — even a few weeks of regular use can cause physical dependence.
- Drowsiness, impaired concentration and memory, particularly the morning after a dose.
- Falls and fractures, particularly in older adults.
- Breathing suppression, especially when combined with opioids, Z-drugs (e.g. zopiclone) or alcohol.
- Driving: diazepam is covered by UK drug-driving law. It is an offence to drive if your driving is impaired.
Alternatives to diazepam
- CBT and NHS Talking Therapies — first-line for ongoing anxiety.
- Stress self-help — practical day-to-day tools.
- SSRIs/SNRIs (e.g. sertraline, escitalopram) prescribed by your GP.
- Sedating antihistamines (Pharmacy medicines such as promethazine) for very short-term help with situational symptoms.
How a RestWell Pharmacy consultation works
- You complete a confidential online stress & anxiety assessment.
- You provide photo ID and confirm your GP details so the prescriber can verify your identity and (with your consent) notify your GP.
- A UK-registered prescriber reviews your case and may approve, propose a safer alternative, or decline.
- If approved, the medicine is dispensed by our registered pharmacy in plain, tracked packaging.
Frequently asked questions
Can I buy diazepam online in the UK without a prescription?
No. Diazepam is a Prescription Only Medicine and Schedule 4 controlled drug. Sites offering it without a consultation are operating outside UK law and often supply counterfeit tablets — the MHRA has linked these to UK deaths.
What is the difference between 2mg and 5mg diazepam?
2mg is the lowest standard tablet strength and is usually where treatment begins. 5mg is used where the lower dose is not enough and the prescriber judges it appropriate. Both are short-term only.
How long does diazepam stay in your system?
Diazepam has a long half-life — its active metabolites can be detectable for several days after a single dose. This is why it is commonly used for tapering off shorter-acting benzodiazepines.
Will my GP be told?
For controlled drugs we strongly recommend GP notification, in line with CQC guidance. You can decline, but this may affect the prescriber's decision.