Ultimate Guide to Diazepam (Valium) for Adolescents
Adolescence is a challenging period filled with growth, change, and sometimes, overwhelming emotions. For some teens, anxiety and stress during this time can feel like an unscalable mountain. Diazepam (commonly known as “Valium”) is a medication that can help alleviate symptoms of anxiety in teens.
But, as a parent or caregiver, understanding the ins and outs of Valium for anxiety in teenagers, including its proper use and risks, is essential to ensure safety. Mission Prep can help you understand the benefits and alternatives to Diazepam for teen anxiety.
This guide also can help by providing a comprehensive understanding of teen mental health treatment with Valium, including:
- What diazepam is used for in teens
- Who can take Valium and who it’s not suitable for
- Pediatric dosage guidelines for Valium
- Potential side effects of diazepam
- Ways of stopping Valium safely
- What to do after stopping diazepam
What Is Diazepam?
Diazepam, usually sold under the brand name “Valium,” belongs to a class of medications called “benzodiazepines.” These drugs work by calming the brain and nerves through increasing levels of gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA) in the brain.1
Healthcare providers primarily prescribe Diazepam for conditions such as:2
Anxiety disorders
- Seizures or epilepsy
- Muscle spasms
- Alcohol withdrawal
- Anxiety before surgery
Because of this calming effect, there are several diazepam side effects for teens, including:3
Drowsiness
- Feeling dizzy
- Tiredness
- Muscle weakness
- Dry mouth
- Nausea
- Headache
- Feeling constipated
- Confusion
Fortunately, most teens won’t need to endure these side effects for too long. This is because most healthcare providers prefer using diazepam for short-term anxiety relief in teens, as opposed to long-term use.
A healthcare provider will usually only prescribe diazepam for stress and panic in teens for 2-4 weeks.4 This is to help reduce the risk of diazepam withdrawal symptoms in adolescents.
Can Teens Take Diazepam to Calm Down Right Away?
Whether a teen is living with chronic anxiety or short-term anxiety, they can take diazepam to calm down. Some providers prefer using Valium for generalized anxiety in adolescents as opposed to other medications, like Xanax. This is because research shows that diazepam is likely better for reducing GAD symptoms than Xanax.5 When Valium is needed, a healthcare provider might give a schedule for when to take the medication (between 1-4 times a day).
Additionally, providers may prescribe diazepam for panic disorder and immediate relief from panic attacks. Valium takes anywhere from 15 to 60 minutes to be felt, meaning a teen can take it to calm down relatively quickly if they experience symptoms of panic.2 Again, your healthcare provider will discuss whether it’s best for a teen to take Valium at set times of the day or as-needed after a panic attack.
Is Valium Good for Teen Anger Issues?
As Valium causes mild sedation, some parents might think it can be used to help with anger issues. However, most providers don’t usually use diazepam for treating aggression in teens.
Some research even shows that Valium might make some people angrier when taking it.6 Because of this finding, it’s a good idea for parents to look into other treatment for anger issues in teens. Other techniques, such as therapy and relaxation methods, may also be effective in managing anger.
Can Children Take Valium?
Yes, children can take Diazepam under a doctor’s supervision if they are over six months old.7 It’s also FDA approved for children over 30 days old in certain circumstances. Situations where Diazepam may be prescribed include:8
Severe anxiety attacks where immediate relief is necessary
- Medical procedures where a child needs to be sedated, such as dental surgery
- Management of muscle spasms arising from conditions like cerebral palsy
- To help with insomnia caused by anxiety
However, diazepam is rarely a first-line medication for long-term management of anxiety or other conditions. Instead, healthcare providers may recommend it temporarily while working to develop a long-term treatment plan.
For instance, diazepam might be used to treat insomnia caused by anxiety in the short term. However, research shows that Valium and sleep disturbances in teens can be caused by diazepam withdrawals.9 This is just one example of how Valium can provide short-term relief, but needs to be accompanied by other types of mental health treatment for teens.
Which Children Can’t Take Diazepam?
While diazepam can be an effective solution for some adolescents, it’s not suitable for everyone. Children with certain conditions or risk factors, such as the following, should generally avoid it:10
Allergies: Adolescents with a history of hypersensitivity to benzodiazepines should never take diazepam
- Respiratory issues: Conditions like sleep apnea can worsen with diazepam, as it can suppress breathing
- Liver or kidney problems: These organs process and filter the drug, so existing issues may lead to an unsafe buildup
- Depression or suicidal tendencies: Benzodiazepines may make depression worse in some teens
- History of substance use: Since diazepam has a potential for dependency, it’s not recommended for teens with a risk of misuse
- Personality disorders: Valium might lead to irritability and anger issues, which might not be suitable for people with a personality disorder
It’s clear that Valium can be a useful tool for helping alleviate short-term anxiety. However, other issues, like the potential for abuse and its interaction with other medications, should be taken into consideration before prescribing it. Additionally, diazepam and emotional regulation in teens can also be a problem.
The only way your healthcare provider can make a good decision on whether or not Valium is right for your child is by understanding their medical history. Be open, honest, and trust that your provider will either select Valium if it’s the right choice or find another anti-anxiety medication to help your child feel better.
Diazepam Dosage Guidelines and Safety Measures for Teens
Valium dosage for teenagers varies depending on your child’s weight, age, overall health, and the condition being treated. For adolescents, the typical dosages might look like the following:11
Anxiety: 2 mg, taken 3 times a day to start, increasing to between 5-10 mg, taken 3 times daily
- Sleep problems (related to anxiety): 5-15 mg, taken once a day at bedtime
When diazepam is prescribed for sleep issues in children, the dosage is often minimal, typically falling between 1-5 mg.12 Your healthcare provider will always use the least amount of Valium needed to calm anxiety and other symptoms.
Your provider will also continue to adjust your dose or change it up as needed until a teen experiences relief from their symptoms. It’s essential to talk to them about any side effects or concerns you may have, so they can continue to provide the best possible care for your child’s needs.
Safety Measures to Keep in Mind While Using Diazepam:
- Follow your provider’s dosage instructions carefully. Never take more or less than you need, as this can lead to complications like withdrawal or overdose
- Avoid combining diazepam and other benzodiazepines with alcohol, opioids, or certain other drugs that can have dangerous interactions. If you’re unsure whether another medication or substance can lead to an interaction, ask your provider.
- Only use Valium for the prescribed duration. Extended use increases the risks of Valium use in teenagers. Even if you have some leftover medication, ask your provider about safe disposal.
- Always tell your provider about any allergic reactions, increases in suicidal thoughts, or drastic changes in mood. If your child experiences severe side effects, your provider will more than likely change your medication. We discuss severe side effects to look out for next.
Potential Severe Side Effects and Risks of Valium
While diazepam can help manage stressful symptoms, it’s important to be aware of potential severe side effects and signs of overdose.
Severe Valium side effects that you should tell your provider about right away and seek medical attention for include:
- Loss of control of bodily movements
- Seizures or uncontrollable shaking of a part of the body
- Slurred speech
- Slowed breathing and heart rate
In addition to these severe side effects, be on the lookout for overdose symptoms, including:
- Unusual dizziness
- Lightheadedness
- Extreme sleepiness
- Slowed or difficult breathing
- Unresponsiveness
Fortunately, diazepam has been shown to be well-tolerated in the majority of people.13 Still, if a teen combines Valium medication with other substances, takes more than prescribed, or is sensitive to this medication, they might experience these more severe symptoms.
Stopping Valium Safely in Teens
If you and your healthcare provider decide it’s time to discontinue diazepam, gradual tapering is the safest approach. Like other benzodiazepines, Valium carries a risk of tolerance, addiction, and withdrawal symptoms.14 These withdrawal symptoms can be as minimal as headaches or as serious as seizures. For this reason, stopping Valium safely in teens is crucial.
Tapering involves slowly reducing the dosage of Valium over time, depending on how long your teen has been using the medication. Working closely with your provider ensures the process is as smooth as possible and reduces the risk of withdrawal symptoms. Never suddenly stop taking Valium, and let your provider know right away if this is something you or your child is thinking of.
Alternative Treatments for Anxiety in Adolescents
While diazepam can be effective for short-term use, it’s not a long-term solution for anxiety. For instance, using Valium for anxiety during school in teens can work during the beginning of the school year or times of particular stress. Yet it might not be the best option for the entire academic year.
In some cases, alternative treatments may be necessary to manage anxiety in adolescents. Mission Prep offers a variety of different therapies to help teens manage anxiety and give them tools for success, including the following.
Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT)
CBT is one of the most effective therapies for managing anxiety. It helps adolescents identify and challenge negative thought patterns, replacing them with healthier coping mechanisms.
Mindfulness Meditation
Mindfulness practices like deep breathing exercises, yoga, and progressive muscle relaxation can help adolescents reduce stress and improve emotional control. Like all new treatments, these can take some time to learn how to master, but can be done anywhere and require little more than a quiet space to meditate or breathe.
Individual Psychotherapy
Mission Prep’s different therapy options cover everything from social anxiety to depression in teens. A dedicated therapist or other mental health treatment provider can provide individual therapy sessions that can help teens learn to cope with the emotions and stressors they are facing.
Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation (TMS)
TMS therapy is a newer treatment option that can be used for adolescents with depression, anxiety, OCD, and PTSD who have not found success with traditional methods. The non-invasive procedure uses magnetic fields to stimulate nerve cells in the brain and promote positive well-being.
Empower Your Teen With Help From Mission Prep
Managing anxiety in adolescents is a complex and deeply personal process. Medications like diazepam can provide short-term relief, especially in moments of crisis, but they shouldn’t serve as a standalone solution. At Mission Prep, we provide outpatient and inpatient mental health treatment in California and Virginia.
Our goal is to use the latest, research-backed techniques to help teens find long-term relief in a safe and supportive environment. Contact Mission Prep via phone call to learn more about our programs and help your teen gain the skills they need for mental health recovery.
References
- NHS. (2022, February 7). About Diazepam. https://www.nhs.uk/medicines/diazepam/about-diazepam/
- Dhaliwal, J. S., Rosani, A., & Saadabadi, A. (2023, August 28). Diazepam. National Library of Medicine; StatPearls Publishing. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK537022/
- MedlinePlus. (2021, May 15). Diazepam: MedlinePlus Drug Information. Medlineplus.gov. https://medlineplus.gov/druginfo/meds/a682047.html
- Health Direct. (2019, March 4). Diazepam. Healthdirect.gov.au; Healthdirect Australia. https://www.healthdirect.gov.au/diazepam
- Elie, R., & Lamontagne, Y. (1984). Alprazolam and diazepam in the treatment of generalized anxiety. Journal of Clinical Psychopharmacology, 4(3), 125–129. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/6145726/
- Berman, M. E., Jones, G. D., & McCloskey, M. S. (2004). The effects of diazepam on human self-aggressive behavior. Psychopharmacology, 178(1), 100–106. https://doi.org/10.1007/s00213-004-1966-8
- Roche. (2008). VALIUM ® brand of diazepam TABLETS. https://www.accessdata.fda.gov/drugsatfda_docs/label/2008/013263s083lbl.pdf
- Stahl, S. M., & Strawn, J. R. (2024). DIAZEPAM. In Prescriber’s Guide – Children and Adolescents: Stahl’s Essential Psychopharmacology (pp. 193–200). drug, Cambridge: Cambridge University Press. https://www.cambridge.org/core/books/abs/prescribers-guide-children-and-adolescents/diazepam/1B0768E1A1D6FD3F587F311E616FF128
- Kales, A., Soldatos, C. R., Bixler, E. O., Kales, J. D., & Vela-Bueno, A. (1988). Diazepam: effects on sleep and withdrawal phenomena. Journal of Clinical Psychopharmacology, 8(5), 340–346. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/3183072/
- NHS. (2022, February 7). Who can and cannot take diazepam. https://www.nhs.uk/medicines/diazepam/who-can-and-cannot-take-diazepam/
- NHS. (2022a, February 7). How and when to take diazepam. https://www.nhs.uk/medicines/diazepam/how-and-when-to-take-diazepam/
- New Zealand Medicines and Medical Devices Safety Authority. (n.d.). NEW ZEALAND DATA SHEET. https://www.medsafe.govt.nz/profs/datasheet/a/ArrowDiazepamtab.pdf
- Montandon, A., Skreta, M., Riggenbach, H., & Ward, J. (1986). Comparison of controlled-release diazepam capsules and placebo in patients in general practice. Current Medical Research and Opinion, 10(1), 10–16. https://doi.org/10.1185/03007998609111087
- PETURSSON, H. (1994). The benzodiazepine withdrawal syndrome. Addiction, 89(11), 1455–1459. https://doi.org/10.1111/j.1360-0443.1994.tb03743.x
