Diazepam - Valium

What is it?

Diazepam is a benzodiazepine that enhances the effects of GABA, an inhibitory neurotransmitter in the brain.

Why is it used?

It is used for short-term management of panic, phobias, and severe situational anxiety, particularly noise sensitivities.

How is it used?

Any behaviour medication works best when used alongside a behaviour modification plan - that is practical management and teaching your pet different coping mechanisms. Diazepam can be given approximately 30-60 minutes  before particularly stressful events. The effects may last for several hours but will depend on your individual pet and situation.

Diazepam is generally not suitable as a daily medicine.

How is it given?

It is available as a tablet or compounded liquid, and usually given intermittently only.

What are the effects?

Used alone, Diazepam is a safe drug and is likely to only cause some mild sedation. Benzodiazepines can cause sedation, increased appetite, and some wobbliness. Cats may exhibit changes in behaviour (irritability, increased affection, depression, aberrant demeanor) after receiving benzodiazepines.

Some dogs may become excited after taking this medication. If any of the above signs occur, please contact your veterinarian immediately.  

Can I use this medication with other supplements?

Some medications such as other behavioural medications, or medical conditions such as liver disease may interact with Diazepam. Speak to your vet if your vet is taking other medications.

Where do I get it?

As a human medication, Diazepam is available from a human pharmacy with a script. However, this medication is tightly regulated as a Schedule 8 medicine and needs to be prescribed carefully. In many cases, it is preferable to be dispensed directly from a vet clinic.

Off label use

In Australia, there are very few registered for treating behaviour problems - ie medications that are designed specifically for pets. Instead, we tend to use human medicines that have great evidence for treating behaviour problems. This means many of the medications we use are considered ‘off label’. These medications still have excellent evidence for their use, and lots of data about their effects and side effects, however it is essential that you feel well informed about their off label use. Please read all the information thoroughly to ensure you feel well informed about the risks and benefits of using this medication.