• Diazepam is a prescription-only medicine called a benzodiazepine. Used for their sedative, anxiety-relieving and muscle-relaxing effects.
• Only suitable for short-term treatment of insomnia and anxiety as it has a high potential for dependence and addiction.
• Diazepam is a long-acting benzodiazepine – remains active in the body for many hours, drowsiness may also last into the next day.
• Causes drowsiness and muscle weakness and impairs concentration and alertness. These effects may continue into the following day and are made worse by drinking alcohol. If affected, avoid potentially hazardous tasks such as driving or operating machinery. Avoid alcohol.
• Only suitable for short-term use. If used for long periods or in high doses, tolerance and dependence may develop, and severe withdrawal symptoms may occur if treatment is stopped suddenly.
• Treatment with this medicine should be stopped gradually, following instructions given by a doctor, in order to avoid withdrawal symptoms.
• (from Netdoctor.co.uk)

MSJs

Diazepam tablets that look similar to Valium, and retain some of the brand appeal of original Valium, are being marketed by MSJ Industries, a subsidiary of the Sri Lankan manufacturer J.L. Morison Son & Jones (Ceylon) PLC. Stamped ‘MSJ’, they are legitimate pharmaceutical products, but are being diverted to the black market – where they are known as ‘MSJs’, ‘vals’ or ‘blues’ – in large quantities.

Side effects

• Drowsiness.
• Drowsiness and lightheadedness the next day.
• Confusion.
• Shaky movements and unsteady walk (ataxia).
• Loss of memory (amnesia).
• Unexpected increase in aggression (paradoxical aggression).
• Muscle weakness.
• Dizziness.
• Headache.
• Slurred speech