Anyone taken Diazepam for nerves

[HighlandWorrier]

I'm generally confident but lately finding myself nervous in certain situations. For example during my last music exam my hands were shaking so much, I was even thinking to myself to get a grip. Have another one coming up and wondering if the doctor will give me something to calm me down on the day.

I don't want to take anything long-term so wondering does anyone know if Diazepam is worth asking for or is there anything else that could help?

Yes, I've taken the 2mg ones and 5mg ones before (white and yellow).

2mg did the job, it took the edge off the anxiety and allowed me to do what I needed to do without feeling spaced out.

I hated the 5mg ones because they did make me feel a bit wasted and I really really don't like that.

The strongest ones are blue and I believe are 10mg. They're very very strong so probably wouldn't be prescribed for what you need.

I used the white ones in the month either side of losing my Mum which kept me able to function. I cut down to every second day before stopping completely and managed fine.

I'm currently on low dose amitriptyline (25mg) and have been for a few months and they're really helping. With mood and anxiety (and randomly IBS too!)

Diazepam is addictive, and whilst very effective, seems like overkill for the type of anxiety you are suggesting
Use Diazepam is being reduced and is usually for people who have delibating panic attacks etc (theres some Neuro uses for it too)

I've been prescribed propranol in the past for similar issues as an when required. It helped slow down the physical symptoms.

If you want to reduce the physical symptoms of nerves but be alert then a beta blocker might be better. I've take Valium for medical stuff and travel but never for an exam or presentation.

Oops sorry I meant to type propranolol.

Try Kalms tablets and/or rescue remedy first. Put two drops of lavender oil on a tissue and sniff it before hand whilst practicing calm breathing.

You'll be hard pushed to get diazepam form the GP but definitely go and see them to talk about other options x

Yeah tried that Kalms and Rescue Remedy but they don't help. A drink beforehand might have the same effect but not sure going into an exam smelling of alcohol is the best idea

I would see if you can look at some mindfulness skills, or meditations to do before the exam

Obviously i dont know the extent of your nervousness (so please disregard if this doesnt fit at all and its debilitating ), but its okay to feel nervous about exams. Hands shaking etc is fairly common.

It might be worth looking at your routine prior to an exam; check your routine allows for food, drink and calming activities (eg. Can you go for a walk etc before hand maybe whilst doing the mindfulness?

Its always worth practising things like, good self care, mindfulness aletc before we need them so if you get used to the exercises or whatever you find helpful prior to exams.

I used to stop revising at least 18 hours before, then try and fit in a swim. This helped me burn off some of my fidgets!

Its not ideal to take any medication for the first time before an exam as you might not know how it will affect you.

Some like diazepam etc will make you feel drowsy, and deliberately "slow" you down a bit. Its helpful to slow anxious thoughts but not ideal in situations like exams or driving etc where you need to be alert

Other herbal type things to try could be magnesium (and epsom salts bath), excercise and maybe something like St Johns wort?

I’ve had it for anxiety but it was horrible stuff - I lost about a week to being basically stoned . I remember only vague bits now - slept a lot . I was suicidal and self harming daily at the time , Gp said it was either diazepam or hospital - so it was needed , but I wouldn’t have it again unless it was my only option .

Thanks Britneysfa some really good points you have mentioned thanks for taking the time. It has given me some food for thought 😊

If you take a low dose for anxiety ion relation to a specific event it can be good. Like a flight, public speaking etc.

Don't take a high dose though as it can make you drowsy.

I took a higher dose as I was in a severe anxious state. However, I took 2mg a few weeks ago for mild anxiety and this world much better.

Hope exam goes ok :)

I took it for severe anxiety, when I couldn't function it was that bad. Stopped the anxiety whilst it was in my system but really spaced me out and weirdly made me very very angry. I didn't take it again.

I think beta blockers (propranolol) would work for what you want. Milder and work in a different way. Better for 'event' type nerves. I much preferred them personally.

I used propranolol when performing solos on a brass instrument. It's impossible to play properly when you're shaking!

Headspace is a really good app.

Not everyone gets addicted too stuff. Dizipam was amazing for me when lost parents. I still have majority left over and it's brilliant having them there.

I used one for back spasms and it was amazing having it there and not struggling out to doctor to fight for it!

I had diazepam twice, once after a traumatic bereavement and then again while waiting for anti anxiety meds to get into my system as they made the anxiety worse for a while.

Personally, I found propranalol worked better for me. It stopped all of the physical symptoms of anxiety.

Update - have been prescribed Propranaol 80mcg doctor didn't think Diazepam was the best option as it can make you drowsy. Will see how I get on and if it stops my hands shaking!

Hope it helps

Thanks loaf that was kind of you