I've always thought this the most wonderful quote relating to Valium> "It was her personal favorite among tranquilizers; Like Chanel No. 5, it is both classic and modern at the same time". Truer words were never spoken. I've tried all the benzos, and Valium is the one I always turn to in time of need.
That said, Klonazepam (Rivitrol or Klonopin) has a lot going for it, too. 0.5 mg, of Klonazepam is about the same as 10 mg of Valium, and lasts about as long. I read a survey once that stated that Klonopin was the number one drug people would choose for if they were stranded on a deserted island.
I don't care for the short acting benzos, Like Xanax or Ativan. While they do kick in fast, they also leave your body very quickly, and can give rebound anxiety due to the abrut stopping of the drug's effect. .
I'm surprised nobody has mentioned how difficult the withdrawals are if you use them long term. If you are taking any Benzo for more than a few weeks, you'll get rebound anxiety if you don't taper off slowly. And if you're using something like Xanax ir Ativan, it's best to switch to Valium for your taper, as the first two are short acting, and both Valium and Klonopin are long acting. It makes for an easier withdrawal.
Many people treat this class of drugs like they're candy. I have a healthy respect for them. They're very useful, but can bite you on the ass if you are not careful.