Valium, the brand name for diazepam, is a prescription medication primarily used to treat anxiety disorders, muscle spasms, seizures, and symptoms of alcohol withdrawal. As a benzodiazepine, Valium works by enhancing the effects of gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA), a neurotransmitter that inhibits brain activity. This results in a calming effect on the central nervous system, helping to alleviate symptoms of anxiety, induce relaxation, and control convulsions.