Experiences with Valium/diazepam

[ProfessorPickles]

I went to the doctors to say my asthma was getting increasingly worse and my doctor seemed to think it was actually anxiety causing the issue.
At first I was unsure but she prescribed me a small dose of diazepam for over 5 days to see what happened, and it's honestly made a huge difference.

I have been stressed for so long and it made me feel almost like myself. I felt much calmer (no outbursts) and I actually got jobs done around the house instead of sitting there for hours on end wasting my day then complaining I'm exhausted.

What has your experience of this been?
What dose were you on and how long did you use them for?

From what I've read they're addictive so can't be used long term which is a shame.
I tried getting in at the doctors first thing today but no luck and I feel horrendous.

I ran out of them on Saturday and not having them has really made me realise how much better they have made me feel.

[ProfessorPickles]

Bump

[Ofthread]

Hi Prof, I have had these in short bursts and they have been miraculous when I've been in a desperate state with anxiety. Unfortunately they are not a long term solution, and in the longer term the effect would wear off I believe, you would build up a tolerance. It's very useful that you have found out that you have anxiety and you can get support for it. First steps would be going back to the GP and discussing anti-depressants or other approaches to anxiety. Things like yogic breathing and meditation can really work well too, but they are harder work and not an instant fix, like the drugs.

[Ofthread]

To answer questions.

I had one course of 10mg, for a few days. These are very strong, they are for knocking out a horse or some such.

I've also had a two week supply of 5mg, these are great for me, I didn't take them when not needed.

I've also tried the 2mg but those had no discernible effect.

[MervynMouse]

If you are suffering from anxiety then an antidepressant medication is a longer term option over a sedative like diazepam.

I was prescribed Sertraline for anxiety nearly 3 years ago and it absolutely changed my life, I'm just sorry I didn't know about it before.

[Flinkyflonk]

Diazepam is a controlled drug and is highly addictive. As a PP said, it's not a long term solution and GPs have strict criteria for prescribing, and can only prescribe for 2-4 weeks.

The withdrawal from diazepam can be horrible too, so it's not something you want to become reliant on.

Can you ask your GP for a referral to address your anxiety issues? There are lots of self-help methods to control anxiety out there too: mindfulness, meditation, practicing breathing techniques (often linked to the first 2)

I have found relaxation apps really good. And exercise.

Anxiety as a symptom can often be due to an underlying depressive illness, so it may be worth chatting with your GP further and considering antidepressants? I have been told recently by my GP that antidepressants and very safe and not addictive, and can often help anxiety.

[ChequeredPasta]

The risk of addiction

[ChequeredPasta]

Posted too soon!
The risk of addiction is massive. A bit like taking heroin for migraines, not a good idea, no matter how bad the migraine is.

[Pythonesque]

Agree, now knowing that it has helped you a lot, your GP can consider what treatments would be suitable longer-term. But also, believe in yourself and remember that the medication has just made it easier for you to access the "real you". Hope you can get a followup appointment to discuss it all soon, best wishes!

[TheCatsPaws]

I love diazepam. I use it for panic attacks and it’s wonderful. There is a risk of addiction however I use roughly 10 a year. Have done since I was about 15.

[girlandboy]

I was prescribed it when I was in agony with a slipped disc. I only took it for 3 or 4 days, I can't remember exactly how long because it was a high dose and basically I slept the whole time.
It certainly made me relax though which is what I needed at the time.

[ProfessorPickles]

Thank you for the responses it's much appreciated!

She gave me 5 days worth (3 x 2mg per day) but I managed to spread them over 7 and took them when needed and it's the most I've felt like myself for over 6 months.

I knew I wasn't myself anymore but I had no clue it was anxiety related.
So like PP has said at least I know what it is and that I can feel normal again.

I really hope she has a long term solution for me. Because the Valium worked so well that I'm a bit gutted that it isn't something I can have to help me! But that isn't to say other things won't help too?

I think that from between January - April I may actually feel better myself as a few things are happening during that time that I think will make me much happier. Assuming it's a problem with my life and not a physical issue, I'm really unsure. I assume it's my life making me feel this way!

[maxthemartian]

It's a pity that benzodiazepines like diazepam build tolerance and dependence so quickly. They are an incredibly useful tool for occasional use but unfortunately if you build up a dependence and have to come off them it causes anxiety that will be ten times worse than what you started out with and will last a very long time, months or more.
I do take them but limit myself to a handful of times a year only at low doses.

[NooNooHead1981]

Diazepam worked for me at a low dose - 2.5mg - for about a week a couple of years ago, but it was the antidepressant Citalopram which saved me from my breakdown in the long run.

I couldn't sleep for about two weeks (literally) and was having a horrendous breakdown because of severe anxiety. The diazepam got me to sleep a bit initially but the tolerance built up very quickly and it didn't work after a week.

Please try the antidepressants, meditation and breathing / exercise methods as these are proven to be the most effective. CBT is also excellent too, alongside mindfulness. All of these have been brilliant for me over the past couple of years.

[Leenyc]

Hi all well I started taking vallium as I suffer with pmdd for years and its slowly got worse to the point my family and life is suffering big time it literally disables my life untill my period has come and gone every month was like having a nervous breakdown is of properly ended up in a mental hospital. The doctor started me off on the progestrion only pill which made me worse I felt angry irritable and depressed so that didn't work. Next he tryed me on anti depressants sertaline then Prozac which did no good at all. So looking on Google and discussion boards I came across vallium which seems to help alot of woman with pmdd especially if it's anxiety based which mine is so as stupid as it is I brought some off the black market as I was told doctors don't like to prescribe it now.
Yes it was bad but how it has chained my life is unreal I feel great and uncharge of my life again even around that time of the month but my problem now is do I tell the doctor the truth or carry on buying it on the black market. I know it's highly addictive and the doctor could say no so I'm back where I started or I could stop taking it anyway and be back where I started.