Generic Valium 10mg is an anti anxiety drug that comes under the benzodiazepines group of medications. This medication is used to calm people suffering from severe anxiety or insomnia, relax people preparing for a surgical procedure and control muscle spasms due to seizures or intoxication. The effects diazepam has on the body are manifold and a basic understanding of these effects can help you and your doctor decide if this medication is appropriate for you.

Calming Effects
Valium is often prescribed to calm people who are experiencing severe anxiety or agitation. The drug works by increasing the effect of gamma-aminobutyric acid GABA - a neurotransmitter in the brain. GABA is a substance that calms the nervous system. By enhancing the effects of GABA, diazepam can be used to ease the sense of anxiety you may be experiencing.

Insomnia
Oral forms of Valium are also used for short-term treatment of severe anxiety associated with insomnia. Valium decreases the time taken to fall asleep and wakings during the night, as well as increasing the total amount of time spent sleeping. However, it is only suitable for short-term treatment of insomnia and anxiety as it has a high potential for dependence and addiction. As diazepam remains active in the body for many hours, drowsiness may also last into the next day.

Muscle Relaxation
Valium can be used to control muscle convulsions that have been caused by seizure conditions, poisoning, and tetanus. These situations all increase the amount of electrical stimulation being sent to the brain. Valium allows the neurotransmitter GABA to take a greater effect in reducing brain stimulation. This lessens the muscle contraction, allowing your brain and body to relax.

Anti-Seizure Effect
Valium can have anti-seizure properties because of its effects on the brain. Valium is beneficial in preventing seizures because it regulates a neurotransmitter chemical that can slow down brain activity and reduce the likelihood of a patient having a seizure. Therefore, a patient who was prescribed Valium for seizure prevention must adhere to his doctor's recommendation when taking this medication.

Sedation
Valium is also given for its sedating and anxiety-relieving effects as a pre-med before surgery or medical investigations and procedures, and to alcoholics during acute alcohol withdrawal.

Valium has been listed as one of the most important drugs in the modern age, based upon its effectiveness and use in medical situations and surgeries. Psychiatrists and physicians alike both use and recommend Valium to their patients. However, it is very important that physicians take the time to communicate with their patients about their possible dependency on the drug. If a doctor believes that a patient may be developing an addiction to Valium, they may recommend a different medication, change the dosage, or try a new treatment all together.