Anxiolytic and sedative It can treat anxiety, muscle spasms, and seizures. Controlled substance Can cause paranoid or suicidal ideation and impair memory, judgment, and coordination. Combining with other substances, particularly alcohol, can slow breathing and possibly lead to death. Brands: Diastat AcuDial, Diazepam Intensol, Diastat, and Valium Availability: Prescription needed Pregnancy: Consult a doctor Alcohol: Avoid. Very serious interactions can occur Drug class: Benzodiazepine Valium (diazepam) is a benzodiazepine (ben-zoe-dye-AZE-eh-peens). ... Valium is used to treat anxiety disorders, alcohol withdrawal symptoms, or muscle spasms. ... Fatal side effects can occur if you use Valium with opioid medicine, alcohol, or other drugs that cause drowsiness or slow ...