A tranquilizer (trade name Valium) used to relieve anxiety and relax muscles; acts by enhancing the inhibitory actions of the neurotransmitter GABA; SYN. Valium.
Tranquilizer in the benzodiazepine group that is also useful for its muscle-relaxant and anticonvulsant effects. Besides being prescribed for anxiety, it is used in premedication or sedation for surgery, as a hypnotic, to treat muscle spasm and for some epileptic conditions, including status epilepticus. Side effects include drowsiness, disorientation and dependence. It is better known by the trade name Valium.