Benzodiazepines
Diazepam
Street names: Valium, Bensedine, Apaurine (blue valium), V's
Overdose? Act now. Call emergency services — say "unresponsive, not breathing". Give naloxone for opioid-like signs. Hotlines
⚡What it does
- Calm, muscle relaxation, anti-anxiety, sedation
⚠Key risks
- Dependence in 2–4 weeks of daily use
- Dangerous withdrawal (seizures) — never stop cold turkey
- Mixing with opioids/alcohol can stop breathing
✚Overdose signs
- Extreme drowsiness
- Confusion
- Slow breathing (especially with other depressants)
📋Quick facts
Also known asValium, Bensedine, Apaurine (blue valium), V's
CategoryBenzodiazepines
Schedule / classSchedule IV (US)
Appearance2–10 mg tablets (yellow/blue/white); Apaurine = blue 10 mg; clear injectable vials
Street price~$1–$10 per 10 mg tablet (diverted); counterfeits common
Legal statusRx-only, Schedule IV; felony without prescription
Last updated2026-09-12
Sources: NIDA, DEA, EMCDDA
Category comparison — Benzodiazepines
| Substance | Class | Top risks | Street price |
|---|---|---|---|
| Diazepam | Schedule IV | Dependence in 2–4 weeks of daily use; Dangerous withdrawal (seizures) — never stop cold turkey | ~$1–$10 per 10 mg tablet |
| Alprazolam (Xanax 2 mg) | Schedule IV | Dependence within weeks; brutal withdrawal (seizures risk); Counterfeit 'bars' increasingly contain fentanyl or bromazolam | ~$2–$10 per 2 mg bar |
| Lorazepam (Ativan 2.5 mg) | Schedule IV | Dependence and withdrawal seizures; Rebound anxiety between doses | ~$1–$5 per 2.5 mg tablet |
| Clonazepam (Rivotril/Klonopin 2 mg) | Schedule IV | Long half-life — dependence builds silently; Withdrawal can last months | ~$1–$5 per 2 mg tablet |
| Nitrazepam (Nipam 5 mg) | Schedule IV | Morning 'hangover' impairment; Dependence and falls in older users | ~$1–$4 per 5 mg tablet |
| Bromazepam (Lexotan 6 mg) | Schedule IV | Dependence; withdrawal anxiety rebound | ~$1–$5 per 6 mg tablet |
Street prices are regional estimates. Potency and cuts vary constantly.
?Frequently asked questions
What does Diazepam look like?
2–10 mg tablets (yellow/blue/white); Apaurine = blue 10 mg; clear injectable vials
What are the signs of a Diazepam overdose?
Extreme drowsiness; Confusion; Slow breathing (especially with other depressants) Call emergency services immediately.
How addictive is it?
Dependence in 2–4 weeks of daily use Withdrawal can be life-threatening — medical tapering is essential.