Summary
Valium is the trade name given by Roche to the drug Diazepam, one of a group of drugs known as benzodiazepines. Benzodiazepines are known to variously possess anxiolytic, anticonvulsant, antidepressant, hypnotic and sedative properties. The first benzodiazepine, Librium, was developed in 1960 for the treatment of the symptoms of depression and anxiety but was surpassed in 1963 by Valium which was both safer and more potent than its predecessor. The development of the benzodiazepines in the 1960s was significant in the sense that they offered the first effective replacement for the heavier barbiturates that were used previously to help alleviate these symptoms. Valium was prescribed as a sedative in mental hospitals in Victoria.
Physical Description
Drug Valium (Diazepam) is contained in a small flat clear plastic box (sealed) with blue and white paper label under transparent top and bottom. Contains lead pieces.
More Information
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Collection Names
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Collecting Areas
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Acquisition Information
Donation from Office of Psychiatric Services, May 1985
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Manufacturer
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Place Used
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Inscriptions
Text: Valium 5/ 90
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Classification
Medicine & health, Mental health - pharmacy, Pharmaceuticals
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Category
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Discipline
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Type of item
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Overall Dimensions
4.5 cm (Length), 1 cm (Width), 3 cm (Height)
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References
Martindale. The extra pharmacopoeia, 26th ed. London Pharmaceutical Press. 1972.
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Keywords
Hospitals, Psychiatric Services, Psychiatric Hospitals, Psychiatric Institutions, Drugs, Medicinals & Drugs, Medicines, Mental Health, Mental Health Institutions, Pharmaceuticals, Making History - Psych Services