You’re staring at a loose pill in the bottom of a drawer or a travel kit, trying to remember what it is. If you suspect it's Valium, you’re looking for a very specific set of features. Not every white or blue pill is what it seems.
Identifying a pill correctly isn't just about curiosity; it’s a massive safety issue. Valium, known generically as diazepam, is a benzodiazepine used for everything from crippling anxiety to muscle spasms and alcohol withdrawal. Because it's a controlled substance, knowing exactly what does a valium pill look like can keep you from taking the wrong dose or, worse, a dangerous counterfeit.
The look of the pill depends entirely on the milligram strength and whether it’s the name-brand version from Roche or a generic version from companies like Teva or Mylan. Brand-name Valium is famous for its "V" cutout—a literal hole in the middle of the pill. Generics usually skip the hole but keep the color coding.
The Iconic Look of Brand-Name Valium
Roche Pharmaceuticals makes the "classic" Valium that most people picture. If you have the brand-name version, the first thing you’ll notice is the shape. They are round, flat-faced tablets with beveled edges.
The most striking feature? The "V" shaped hole punched right through the center. It’s not just a surface mark; it’s a cutout. On one side, you’ll see the word "VALIUM" along with the numerical strength. On the other side, it typically says "ROCHE."
- 2 mg Valium (Brand): These are white. They have the "V" cutout and the number 2.
- 5 mg Valium (Brand): These are yellow. Again, look for the "V" and the number 5.
- 10 mg Valium (Brand): These are light blue. They feature the "V" and the number 10.
If you find a pill that has the "V" but the color doesn't match the strength (like a blue 2mg pill), something is definitely wrong.
Identifying Generic Diazepam (The "No-Hole" Versions)
Most people today are actually prescribed generic diazepam. These don't have the fancy V-cutout. Instead, they are solid, round tablets. Manufacturers follow a standard color-coding system, which helps, but the "imprint codes" are the real giveaway.
The White 2mg Tablets
The 2mg dose is the lowest. These are almost always small, round, and white.
Teva Pharmaceuticals produces a very common version. Look for "TEVA" on one side and "3925" on the other. Another common one is from Mylan, which is white and round with "MYLAN 271" stamped on it. If you see "2682 V" on a white pill, that’s the Qualitest version.
The Yellow 5mg Tablets
The 5mg version is the middle ground. It’s always yellow.
Teva’s 5mg pill is yellow, round, and marked with "TEVA 3926." You might also see "DAN 5619" with a "5" on the back—that’s from Watson Laboratories. Mylan sometimes breaks the "round" rule here; they produce an orange/peach-colored 5mg pill that is oval-shaped and marked "MYLAN 345."
The Blue 10mg Tablets
The 10mg dose is the strongest tablet form. These are blue, ranging from a pale sky blue to a slightly deeper shade.
Teva marks theirs with "TEVA 3927." Watson’s 10mg is marked "DAN 5620." If you have a round blue pill with "053 R" on it, that’s the Actavis brand.
Rare Variants: Orange and Green Pills
While white, yellow, and blue are the "Big Three," some manufacturers use different colors.
For example, Mylan has a 10mg diazepam that is actually green. It’s round and marked with "MYLAN 477." This often confuses people who are used to the blue 10mg standard. Always check the imprint code if the color feels "off" from what you usually see in your prescription bottle.
Spotting a Fake: The "Street Valium" Danger
Honestly, the rise of counterfeit pills is terrifying. In the last few years, law enforcement and health agencies have seen a surge in "street valium" or "blues." These are often pressed in basement labs to look exactly like the real thing, but they contain fentanyl or "designer" benzos like bromazolam or etizolam.
How can you tell if it’s fake?
- Crumbly Edges: Professional pharmaceutical presses are incredibly precise. If the edges of the pill look chalky, chipped, or "soft," be very suspicious.
- Inconsistent Color: Real Valium has a perfectly uniform color. If you see speckles, dark spots, or if the blue looks "mottled," it’s likely a fake.
- The "V" Cutout Test: It is very difficult for counterfeiters to perfectly replicate the Roche V-cutout without the pill crumbling. If the "V" looks lopsided or the hole has rough interior edges, don't touch it.
- Taste and Smell: While not a foolproof test, real diazepam is virtually odorless and has a slightly bitter, but clean, taste. Fakes might smell like chemicals or have no taste at all.
What to Do if You Find an Unidentified Pill
If you've found a pill and you’re still not 100% sure, don't guess. Taking even a 10mg dose when you intended to take 2mg can cause extreme sedation or respiratory issues, especially if you've had a drink.
The safest steps to take:
- Use a Pill Identifier Tool: Websites like Drugs.com or RxList allow you to plug in the color, shape, and imprint code. They have high-res databases that show you exactly what the pill should look like.
- Take it to a Pharmacist: This is the "gold standard." A pharmacist can identify a pill in seconds and tell you if it looks like a legitimate manufacture or a suspicious press.
- Poison Control: If someone has already swallowed an unidentified pill, call Poison Control immediately.
Practical Next Steps
Found a pill and confirmed it's Valium? Great. Now, keep it safe.
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Always store your medication in its original prescription bottle. Those "day of the week" plastic organizers are handy, but they are the number one reason pills get separated from their identity. If you must use a travel container, keep a photo of the original prescription label on your phone.
If you realize the pill you found is expired or no longer needed, don't just flush it. Most local pharmacies and police stations have "Drug Take-Back" kiosks. It’s the best way to keep these chemicals out of the water supply and out of the wrong hands.