Acts by enhancing the inhibitory actions of the neurotransmitter GABA

• Muscle relaxant
• Valium, generically
• A tranquilizer (trade name Valium) used to relieve anxiety and relax muscles

Douglas Harper's Etymology Dictionary Word definitions in Douglas Harper's Etymology Dictionary
1961, from (benzo)diazep(ine) + -am , apparently an arbitrary suffix. The element diazo- denotes two nitrogen atoms combined with one hydrocarbon radical.

WordNet Word definitions in WordNet
n. a tranquilizer (trade name Valium) used to relieve anxiety and relax muscles; acts by enhancing the inhibitory actions of the neurotransmitter GABA; can also be used as an anticonvulsant drug in cases of nerve agent poisoning [syn: Valium ]

Wikipedia Word definitions in Wikipedia
Diazepam , first marketed as Valium , is a medication of the benzodiazepine family that typically produces a calming effect. It is commonly used to treat a range of conditions including anxiety , alcohol withdrawal syndrome , benzodiazepine withdrawal syndrome ...

Wiktionary Word definitions in Wiktionary
n. (context pharmaceutical drug English) A minor tranquillizer with sedative effects, taken to reduce anxiety.