{"id":630921,"date":"2025-01-06T12:07:34","date_gmt":"2025-01-06T17:07:34","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.singlecare.com\/blog\/?p=630921"},"modified":"2025-01-06T13:56:34","modified_gmt":"2025-01-06T18:56:34","slug":"is-diazepam-a-controlled-substance","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.singlecare.com\/blog\/is-diazepam-a-controlled-substance\/","title":{"rendered":"Is diazepam a controlled substance?"},"content":{"rendered":"

Introduction<\/span><\/h2>\n

Going it alone against a knotted stomach, sleep troubles, and impending dread of anxiety isn\u2019t easy. That\u2019s part of why doctors write millions of prescriptions for <\/span>diazepam<\/span><\/a> per year. Yet, for some people, diazepam might replace anxiety with dependence, which is why it\u2019s classified as a controlled substance. What does that mean? How will it affect treatment? What else can you take? We\u2019ve got the important information below.<\/span><\/p>\n

What is diazepam?<\/span><\/h2>\n

Diazepam (brand name: <\/span>Valium<\/span><\/a>) belongs to a drug class called benzodiazepines. \u201cIt works by increasing the effects of GABA\u2014our brain\u2019s natural calming chemical,\u201d according to Shebna N. Osanmoh I, PMHNP-BC, a psychiatric nurse practitioner at Savant Care. \u201cThrough my years of prescribing at different mental health facilities, I have seen it work to reduce anxiety, muscle tension, and seizures.\u201d It\u2019s also shown effectiveness in treating alcohol withdrawal symptoms and muscle spasms from neurological conditions like cerebral palsy or paraplegia.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Diazepam also produces powerful sedative effects on the brain and body, which is why it\u2019s typically only prescribed for adults over age 18. However, doctors may prescribe it for certain cases of muscle spasms or seizure disorders in children older than six months, under close supervision. According to the Valium label, it\u2019s also contraindicated (should not be used) for anyone who has myasthenia gravis, severe respiratory issues, severe liver insufficiency, sleep apnea, or a known diazepam hypersensitivity.<\/span><\/p>\n

On top of that, \u201cdiazepam is unique in that it is among the benzodiazepines with the longest half-life,\u201d says Dr. Alex Dimitriu, MD, founder of Menlo Park Psychiatry & Sleep Medicine. \u201cThis is how long it stays in your system\u2014for diazepam, it takes 30\u201356 hours to eliminate half the drug from your body.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

Is diazepam a controlled substance?<\/span><\/h2>\n

Yes, the United States Department of Justice designated diazepam as a controlled substance in 1971, when they signed the <\/span>U.N.\u2019s Convention on Psychotropic Substances<\/span><\/a>. That means it shows some potential for abuse and dependence. The <\/span>Controlled Substances Act (CSA)<\/span><\/a> puts it under <\/span>Schedule IV<\/span><\/a>\u2014along with medications like Xanax, Ambien, and tramadol\u2014because it has a lower risk of abuse and dependence than drugs in higher schedules, such as Schedule II drugs like oxycodone and illegal (Schedule I) drugs like ecstasy. But that risk is still present, so it should be prescribed and taken with caution.<\/span><\/p>\n

However, diazepam is not a narcotic. Sometimes, \u201ccontrolled substance\u201d and \u201cnarcotic\u201d are viewed as interchangeable terms, but they\u2019re not. A controlled substance is any drug whose production, possession, and use is restricted by the government. Narcotics, on the other hand, <\/span>refer specifically to opioids<\/span><\/a>, opium derivatives, and synthetic opioid substitutes. So, although diazepam is regulated, it is not a narcotic.<\/span><\/p>\n

What does that mean for me?<\/span><\/h2>\n

Anyone taking or considering diazepam for their anxiety, seizures, or muscle spasms might be wondering how this all will affect their treatment or overall health. When taken under a doctor\u2019s supervision and according to their exact directions, it\u2019s often safe and effective. But it\u2019s still good to know the potential risks and consequences.<\/span><\/p>\n

Abuse and misuse<\/span><\/h3>\n

This is a large part of diazepam\u2019s controlled substance classification, but what exactly does it mean? Essentially, the misuse of benzodiazepines means taking them in any way other than how they\u2019re prescribed. <\/span>According to the American Addiction Centers<\/span><\/a>, this might include taking more than the indicated dose, taking them for non-medical reasons (i.e. to get high), taking them with other substances or alcohol, or crushing and snorting the pills.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Per Dr. Dimitriu, signs of Valium abuse can include medication-seeking behavior (doctor shopping or forging prescriptions), overuse, a higher tolerance over time, withdrawal symptoms, and physical symptoms like slurred speech, drowsiness, or confusion.<\/span><\/p>\n

Important: <\/b>Due to diazepam\u2019s potential for abuse, never take someone else\u2019s prescription, or allow someone else to take yours.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Addiction<\/span><\/h3>\n

The <\/span>National Institute on Drug Abuse defines<\/span><\/a> substance addiction as \u201ca chronic disease characterized by drug seeking and use that is compulsive, or difficult to control, despite harmful consequences.\u201d For example, American Addiction Centers says diazepam addiction might manifest as:<\/span><\/p>\n