Valium

Diazepam (marketed under the tradename Valium) is a derivative of the benzodiazepine class of minor tranquilizers and possesses the five therapeutic benzodiazepine properties; working as an anxiolytic, sedative, hypnotic, muscle relaxant, and amnestic agent. Pharmocologically, Diazepam behaves as a central nervous system depressant by augmenting the effect of the inhibitory neurotransmitter gamma-amino-butyric-acid (GABA) by binding to its endogenous receptor at a location distinct from GABA itself. This ultimately results in the hyperpolarization of neurons, lowering the threshold of their stimulation, and making it more difficult for the cell to produce excitatory action potentials.