Diazepam was commonly known by the brand name Valium. It is one of a group of drugs called benzodiazepines, also known as anxiolytics. They are often wrongly called the "minor tranquillisers".

The benzodiazepines are 'calmers'. They help to calm you down and can make you sleepy. They are therefore used to help to treat, but not cure, the symptoms of anxiety, such as tension, feeling shaky, sweating and difficulty in thinking straight. They also have muscle relaxing properties and some can be used to help epilepsy.

Diazepam was first made available in the UK in 1963. It has been very popular in the UK and the rest of the world over the years but is now used a little less than it was.

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