Diazepam is a benzodiazepine medication prescribed for anxiety disorders, muscle spasms, seizures, and alcohol withdrawal symptoms. Understanding the physical characteristics of diazepam pills can help in identification. This article describes their typical appearance, including common shapes, colors, and identifying markings.
Common Characteristics of Diazepam Pills
Diazepam pills typically come in specific colors that correspond to their dosage strength. The 2 mg tablets are commonly white or off-white. For a 5 mg dosage, the pills are generally yellow, and 10 mg tablets are usually blue. Less common colors like orange or green may also exist, particularly for certain 5 mg formulations.
Most diazepam tablets are round. Some pills may have a score line, an indentation across the middle, allowing them to be broken into smaller, equal doses. A single score line permits breaking the tablet into two parts, while two score lines allow for breaking it into four pieces.
Identifying Markings and Imprints
Diazepam pills feature specific imprints: alphanumeric codes or symbols pressed onto the tablet surface. These imprints are crucial for identification, as they indicate the drug name, dosage, and manufacturer.
A 2 mg white diazepam tablet might carry imprints such as “TEVA 3925,” “MYLAN 271,” “2 DAN 5621,” or “051 R”. Yellow 5 mg tablets often display imprints like “TEVA 3926,” “DAN 5619,” “052 R,” or “2683 V.” Brand-name Valium 5 mg tablets might be imprinted with “VALIUM 5” or “ROCHE ROCHE.” Blue 10 mg pills can be identified by imprints such as “TEVA 3927,” “10 DAN 5620,” “053 R,” or “2684 V.” These markings help distinguish genuine medication from other substances.
Variations and Safety Information
The appearance of diazepam pills can vary depending on the pharmaceutical company that manufactures them. Different manufacturers may produce pills with distinct shapes, colors, or imprints, even for the same dosage strength. For example, while many 5 mg diazepam pills are yellow, some manufacturers might produce an orange 5 mg tablet, such as one with the imprint “MYLAN 345.” This variability means that a specific color or imprint is not universally consistent across all diazepam products.
Never take medication that has not been specifically prescribed to you by a healthcare professional. If you encounter an unfamiliar pill, consult a pharmacist or doctor for definitive identification. Dispose of unknown or unneeded pills safely to prevent accidental ingestion or misuse.