*An off-label use of a medication is a use that is not FDA-approved. Prescribers can decide to use a medication off-label because, in their professional judgment, they believe it may offer a benefit to someone.
To get prescribed Valium online for anxiety, you first need to find an online psychiatry provider who can and will prescribe controlled substances. Most online platforms will not prescribe benzodiazepines like Valium. There are special regulations for controlled substances, and state laws can also affect access.
Your primary care provider may refer you to a prescriber who can evaluate you and possibly offer a Valium prescription. If you are looking for an online Valium prescription, we have thoroughly evaluated online providers like Talkiatry that can and will prescribe benzodiazepines like Valium. We have found it to be a good place to get started with an evaluation. If they believe it may help your symptoms, your online provider may prescribe Valium for your anxiety.
Boxed Warning: Diazepam (Valium) – Risk of medication misuse or abuse
Diazepam, the active ingredient in Valium, has black box warnings. These are the most serious types of warnings from the Food and Drug Administration (FDA).
– Taking diazepam, a benzodiazepine, with other opioid medications increases your risk for serious side effects that include severe sedation, slower breathing, coma, and death. Diazepam should not be taken with an opioid unless there are no other options.
– Taking diazepam can lead to misuse (abuse) and addiction of the medication, which can increase your risk of overdose and death.
– Using diazepam can lead to physical dependence and this risk increases the longer you take diazepam. If you suddenly stop taking diazepam, you can expereince withdrawal. Withdrawal can be life threatening. Diazepam should only be discontinued by gradual tapering of the dose.
Valium is a controlled substance, which means that it’s more likely to be misused or cause dependence. There are federal and state laws that limit the amount of medication that can be prescribed or dispensed within a certain period of time.
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Key Takeaways
To get prescribed Valium online, start by getting an evaluation from an online provider who can and will prescribe controlled substances, such as Talkiatry.
Valium alternatives may be necessary for some to consider, including other benzodiazepines and antidepressants.
Brand name Valium can cost between $112-$194 for a 30-day supply of the smallest dosage available without insurance. Valium coupons, savings cards, and discounts may all help lower costs.
How to Get Prescribed Valium Online or in Person
To get prescribed Valium online or in person, you will first need an evaluation to determine whether it is a good fit for treating your symptoms of anxiety. The process of getting diagnosed and potentially prescribed Valium online or in person may vary for people of different ages.
Due to special regulations for controlled substances, it is important to find an online psychiatry provider who can and will prescribe benzodiazepines like Valium. For in-person prescription options, a good place to start is with your primary care provider.
How to Get Valium Prescribed Online
Here is how to get an online Valium prescription in six steps.
Step 1: Book an Appointment With an Online Psychiatry Provider
The first step is to book an appointment with an online provider that can and will prescribe controlled substances, such as Talkiatry. Due to special regulations for controlled substances, it can be difficult to find a provider to prescribe medications like Valium online. We have thoroughly reviewed this platform, and in using this service ourselves, we have found it to be a good place to get started with an evaluation.
Step 2: Get a Psychological Evaluation & Discuss Your Symptoms
At your appointment, your provider will evaluate your overall health, medical history, and your anxiety-related issues. They will also ask about any previous treatments for anxiety and why those did or didn’t work. This discussion will help the provider know whether Valium may be safe and appropriate for you or your child.
Step 3: Get Treatment Recommendations
Your provider will develop a treatment plan to help you manage your anxiety symptoms. This plan may include behavioral therapy, medication such as Valium, or both. An alternative medication may be recommended if Valium isn’t the best fit. If Valium is determined to be a good fit for you or your child, your provider will review the risks, benefits, and how to take the medication.
Step 4: Fill Your Online Valium Prescription
If offered, your prescriber will give you a Valium prescription online for a 30-day supply, which you may fill through their online platform. You may be able to get Valium delivered to your home, but it can vary widely depending on the state you live in. All online psychiatry platforms will deliver prescriptions to a local pharmacy.
Step 5: Schedule Follow-up Appointments
Your prescriber will need to meet with you either at your initial evaluation or your first refill. This is a federal requirement for Schedule IV controlled substance medications such as Valium. Your prescriber will check on your symptoms, determine if Valium is still suitable, and adjust the dosage if needed.
Step 6 : Discuss Prescription Refills With Your Provider
Schedule IV controlled substances such as Valium cannot be refilled automatically. Your prescriber may offer no more than an initial prescription and 5 refills within a 6-month timeframe. After 6 months, a new and separate prescription will need to be written for additional medication.1
How to Get Valium Prescribed In Person
In six steps, here is how to get a Valium prescription in person.
Step 1: Book an Appointment With a Healthcare Provider
For an in-person anxiety evaluation, a good place to start is with your primary care provider. This may be a physician, nurse practitioner, or physician assistant. If they determine it is needed, they can refer you to a specialist, such as a psychiatrist who can further evaluate whether to include Valium as a part of the treatment plan for you or your child.
Step 2: Get a Psychological Evaluation & Discuss Your Symptoms
An appointment for in-person psychological evaluations is similar to online evaluations. You and your provider will discuss how your anxiety symptoms affect your daily functioning.
Step 3: Get Treatment Recommendations
After completing the evaluation, your provider will develop a treatment plan that may include behavioral therapy, medication such as Valium, or both. This plan will address how to manage your anxiety symptoms in different settings, such as home or work. If Valium is determined to be a good fit for you or your child, your provider will review the risks, benefits, and how to take the medication.
Step 4: Choose Where to Get Your Valium Prescription Filled
If offered, your prescriber will give you a prescription for a 30-day supply, which you may fill at your preferred local pharmacy or an online psychiatry platform. You may be able to get Valium delivered to your home, but it can vary widely depending on the state you live in. All online psychiatry platforms will deliver prescriptions to a local pharmacy.
Step 5: Schedule Follow-up Appointments
Due to regulations for prescribing controlled substances, a new prescription with a prescriber visit is required each month. At first, your prescriber will meet with you monthly to check on your symptoms and adjust your Valium dosage. Depending on how the medication works for you, your prescriber may offer multiple prescriptions you can fill and change your check-in visits to once every 6 months.
Step 6: Discuss Prescription Refills With Your Provider
Schedule IV controlled substances such as Valium cannot be refilled automatically. Your prescriber will check on your symptoms, determine if Valium is still suitable, and adjust the dosage if needed. Your prescriber may offer no more than an initial prescription and 5 refills within a 6-month timeframe. After 6 months, a new and separate prescription will need to be written for additional medication.1
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How Much Does Valium Cost?
The cost of Valium can vary based on several factors, including your location, the pharmacy you use, and whether you have insurance, as well as on the dosage and length of prescription (number of days) your doctor prescribes.
Valium Prices
The cost of Valium currently ranges from $112-$239 for a 30-day supply of 2 milligrams without insurance. Your Valium prescription may cost much less with insurance depending on your plan and coverage. A similar prescription of the generic form of Valium, diazepam, costs $6-$22. The cost of Valium will also vary based on the dosage and amount prescribed. Coupons for Valium are often available and may reduce your out of pocket costs.
Note: Cash prices listed are derived from multiple sources. The prices listed are an estimate only and cannot be guaranteed. For exact prices, please contact the pharmacy.
Walmart
$229
Walgreens
$228
CVS / Target
$212
RiteAid
$112
Kroger
$229
Costco
$239
Hy-Vee
$212
Publix
$235
Albertsons
$220
Does Insurance Cover Valium?
Depending on your insurance company, your plan may cover your Valium prescription. Insurance policies can change at any time and some may only cover generics.
Commercial insurance, Medicare, Medicaid, and TRICARE all have different requirements and policies for medication coverage. Contact your insurance provider directly to learn whether your
Valium prescription may be covered.
Here are online anxiety treatment platforms that accept insurance:
- Talkiatry may prescribe controlled substances in some cases and is only available to those with insurance.
- Brightside Health accepts many major insurance plans. It does not prescribe controlled substances but can be an option if you are prescribed antidepressants for anxiety symptoms.
For in-person prescription appointments, you may be asked to provide insurance information when you book it or when you arrive. You can find out which local providers are covered by your insurance plan.
Who Is Valium a Good Fit For?
Some find that Valium reduces their symptoms of panic disorder, including frequent panic attacks, persistent concern about additional attacks, with physical symptoms of anxiety such as sweating, chest pains, and dizziness.
Valium can be a safe and effective FDA-approved treatment for symptoms of panic disorder, and it can be helpful for other conditions and symptoms for some people.
Some find Valium to be helpful for short-term relief anxiety, which may include persistent symptoms that interfere with daily functioning such as sweating, chest pains, dizziness, worry, and nervousness.
Here’s who may benefit from a Valium prescription:
- Those who have been diagnosed with anxiety disorders (FDA-approved treatment2
- Those needing short-term relief of anxiety symptoms (FDA-approved treatment)
- Those in acute alcohol withdrawal (FDA-approved treatment)
- Those with sudden episodes of vertigo (non-FDA-approved treatment)
- Those in withdrawal from opioids or cocaine (non-FDA-approved treatment)
Who Shouldn’t Be Prescribed Valium
Every person is different, and while Valium is an FDA-approved treatment for anxiety symptoms, it may not be the right medication for everyone. Valium has been shown to be safe and effective for those aged 6 months and older, but there are some exceptions to consider.
People who should take extra caution before using Valium include:1
- Pregnant and breastfeeding parents
- Those with other mental health conditions
- Those with a history of substance abuse
- Those with kidney or liver problems
- Those with breathing problems
- Those who need long-term anxiety medication
This is not a complete list of warnings and precautions for taking Valium and not all possible reactions may occur. Discuss with your doctor to see if Valium is right for you.
Valium Alternatives
Several prescription Valium alternatives are available. Both benzodiazepines and antidepressant medications can help reduce anxiety symptoms. Alternatives to Valium include other benzodiazepines, such as Ativan, Klonopin, and Xanax. These medications are for short-term use only and often not the first treatment offered.
Several antidepressants are also FDA-approved to treat anxiety symptoms
Antidepressant Medications
Antidepressants, such as Lexapro and Paxil are FDA-approved to treat anxiety symptoms. Off-label treatments for anxiety include Zoloft and Prozac. Off-label means that a prescriber may use a medication as non-FDA-approved treatment because they believe it may benefit a patient.
Having various Valium alternatives available is important for people who need or wish to avoid benzodiazepine medications. Because benzodiazepines are controlled substances, they may be difficult to obtain online.
Antidepressants may also be easier for online psychiatrists to prescribe depending on your state, diagnosis, and other factors. If you are looking for an online provider that can prescribe Valium alternatives, both Talkiatry and Brightside can offer antidepressants where they may be a good fit.
Generic Valium
Also, the generic version of Valium may be prescribed as an alternative to the brand name for several reasons. It contains diazepam, which is the same active ingredient as the brand name medication. The generic form is less expensive and offers the same treatment benefits as brand name Valium.3
Over-the-Counter Valium Options
There are various over-the-counter Valium alternatives that claim to help with the treatment of anxiety, such as supplements and medications. However, none of these are FDA-approved. Quality studies are limited and have yet to show that such treatments improve anxiety symptoms.
Some over-the-counter treatments can also interact with other medications you may be taking. Check with reputable sources and your healthcare providers before taking any supplements.
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Affordable and accessible Anxiety evaluations and treatment. Diagnosis and prescription over video. Insurance accepted. Same day appointments. Visit Circle Medical
Questions to Ask Your Provider
To get Valium for anxiety, one place to start is by talking to your primary healthcare provider. They know your health history and may prescribe you medication, if needed. Valium is most often used as a short-term treatment for anxiety symptoms.
If your provider thinks a psychiatrist or other specialist would be best for you, they can make a referral. Alternatively, if you do not have a primary healthcare provider, an online psychiatry provider such as Talkiatry is a good place to start.
Prepare for your first appointment by gathering important information about your condition. Consider your main symptoms and how they affect your life. Describe your goals for treatment, discussing your interest and concerns about using medications.
Questions to ask your care team about getting a Valium prescription include:
- How often should I come for checkups?
- What common side effects will I likely experience when I start my Valium medication?
- How long will the medication’s side effects last?
- Should I be concerned about addiction and withdrawal symptoms of the medication?
- What are the best online psychiatry options?
- What are some alternatives to Valium?
- What should I do if Valium does not work for me?
- What will happen if I stop my medication abruptly?
- How long does Valium take to show its effectiveness?
- Is there any lab work or other medical tests needed before or during the treatment?
- What are the precautions I must take during the treatment?
- What if I have never used Valium and found myself allergic to it?
- Can you provide any resources to learn about Valium?
Prescriber’s Tips
Your prescriber will share important information about your Valium prescription. They will explain how to take and store your medication, what to avoid when taking it, and what to do about side effects. Follow these tips for safe and effective use of Valium.
- Take Valium as prescribed, even if you start feeling better. Do not change your dose or stop taking it unless your prescriber tells you to. Taking too much Valium may lead to overdose and increase your risk of misuse or addiction.
- Get emergency help right away if any of the following happens: shallow or slowed breathing, breathing stops (which may lead to the heart stopping), excessive sleepiness (sedation)
- Avoid operating heavy machinery or dangerous activities until you know how the medication affects you.
- Take your medication at the same time each day. Doing so can help you remember to take it, making it as effective as possible.
- Tell your prescriber right away if you have any worsening mental health symptoms.
Frequently Asked Questions
What Is Valium?
Valium is a benzodiazepine medication that is FDA-approved medication for short-term treatment of anxiety symptoms.
How Does Valium Work?
Valium works by enhancing the effects of a body chemical called GABA. Valium slows a person’s heart rate, body temperature, and blood pressure, which can create a sense of calm.1
Can You Get Valium Prescription Refills Online?
Controlled substances such as Valium cannot be refilled online if the initial evaluation was done remotely. Refills must be done with an in-person visit to a medical practitioner. Talk to your provider to make sure you can get your prescription refills when you need them, whether in person or online.
Are There Refill Limits for Valium Prescriptions?
There are limits to prescriptions for controlled substances. While prescriptions cannot be refilled, a prescriber may provide refills for no longer than a 6-month supply.2
How Can I Get Valium Delivered to My Home?
You may be able to get Valium delivered to your home, but it can vary widely depending on the state you live in. Online psychiatry platforms will deliver prescriptions to a local pharmacy.
Can Urgent Care Prescribe Valium?
Urgent care clinics cannot prescribe Valium due to it being a controlled substance. If you have a Valium prescription already, contact your primary provider or local pharmacy for help. If you do not have a prescription, you will need a psychiatric evaluation first. An urgent care or walk-in clinic is not equipped to provide this type of evaluation.6
How Long Is a Valium Prescription Good For?
The amount of Valium for an initial prescription or refill is no more than a 34-day supply. Your prescriber may provide refills for up to a 6-month supply.2 Talk to your prescriber if you may have trouble scheduling an appointment before your supply runs out.
Can You Get a Valium Prescription Refilled Early?
Schedule IV controlled substances like Valium have limitations on refills and may only be refilled a few days before the refill date.2
How Much Is Valium Without Insurance?
The cash cost of brand name Valium can range from $112-$239 for a 30-day supply of the smallest dosage available.4
Can You Get Prescribed Valium Without an Anxiety Disorder?
Yes, Valium is FDA-approved to treat other conditions such as agitation and tremors with alcohol withdrawal and muscle spasms. It may also be used off-label for sudden episodes of vertigo as well as withdrawal symptoms and intoxication from opioids and cocaine.
Can You Get Valium Without a Prescription?
No, Valium is only available with a prescription.
Is There a Generic Version of Valium?
Yes, a generic version of Valium is available and has the active ingredient diazepam.
What Are the Effects of Misusing Valium?
Signs of Valium misuse may include drowsiness, memory loss, slurred speech, feelings of euphoria, and heightened cravings.
Are There Over-the-counter Drugs Similar to Diazepam?
Over-the-counter Valium alternatives, such as supplements and medications, may claim to help with the treatment of anxiety. However, none of these are FDA-approved.
Choosing Therapy strives to provide our readers with mental health content that is accurate and actionable. We have high standards for what can be cited within our articles. Acceptable sources include government agencies, universities and colleges, scholarly journals, industry and professional associations, and other high-integrity sources of mental health journalism. Learn more by reviewing our full editorial policy.
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DailyMed – Valium – diazepam tablet. (October 31, 2023). DailyMed.nlm.nih.gov. Retrieved from https://dailymed.nlm.nih.gov/dailymed/drugInfo.cfm
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Controlled Substances Listed in Schedule III, IV, V. (May 14, 2024). ECFR.gov. Retrieved from https://www.ecfr.gov/current/title-21/chapter-II/
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Generic Drug Facts. U.S. Food & Drug Administration. (2021). Generic Drug Facts. Retrieved from https://www.fda.gov/drugs/generic-drugs/generic-drug-facts
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Spencer, Aiden. (May 19, 2016). What Type of Medication Can an Urgent Care Doctor Prescribe? AJMC.com. Retrieved from https://www.ajmc.com/view/what-type-of-medication-can-an-urgent-care-doctor-prescribe
We regularly update the articles on ChoosingTherapy.com to ensure we continue to reflect scientific consensus on the topics we cover, to incorporate new research into our articles, and to better answer our audience’s questions. When our content undergoes a significant revision, we summarize the changes that were made and the date on which they occurred. We also record the authors and medical reviewers who contributed to previous versions of the article. Read more about our editorial policies here.
Author: No Change
Reviewer: No Change
Primary Changes: Primary Changes: Added Key Takeaways feature. Updated formatting, edited for clarity. Consolidated sections called “Do I Need a Valium Prescription?” and “What Can I Expect When Getting a Valium Prescription?”, retitled as “Who Is Valium a Good Fit For?”; Revised and retitled sections titled “How to Get Prescribed Valium Online & In Person”, “Questions to Ask Your Provider”, “Valium Alternatives” with additional subsections “Non-stimulant Medications”, “Generic Valium”, and “Over-the-Counter Valium Options”. Created additional FAQs, updated sources as needed.
Author: No Change
Reviewer: No Change
Primary Changes: Updated cost information in FAQ “How Much Is Valium Without Insurance?” and “Valium Prices” sections, Updated prescribing information resource in source list.
Author: No Change
Reviewer: No Change
Primary Changes: Updated formatting and added new article content including drug overview summary block, cost table, and alternatives comparison slider. Also updated “Questions to Ask Your Provider” and “Prescriber Tips” page features.
Author: No Change
Medical Reviewer: No Change
Primary Changes: Added new sections titled “How Much Does Valium Cost?”, “What Can I Expect When Getting a Valium Prescription?”, “Prescriber’s Tips”, “FAQs”, “Does Insurance Cover Valium?”. Revised sections titled “Do I Need a Valium Prescription?”, “How to Get Valium Prescribed to You Online & In Person”, “Who Shouldn’t Be Prescribed Valium?”, “What Are Valium Alternatives?”, “Are There Over-the-Counter Valium Options?”, “Questions to Ask Your Health Team About How to Get Valium”, Reviewed and added relevant sources. Edited for readability and clarity.
Author: Sheelu Bhatnagar, MD, PhD
Reviewer: Heidi Moawad, MD
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Best Online Psychiatry Services
Online psychiatry, sometimes called telepsychiatry, platforms offer medication management by phone, video, or secure messaging for a variety of mental health conditions. In some cases, online psychiatry may be more affordable than seeing an in-person provider. Mental health treatment has expanded to include many online psychiatry and therapy services. With so many choices, it can feel overwhelming to find the one that is right for you.
