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Original poster

Diazepam alternative

44 replies

Ethicaldebacle · 02/05/2025 16:38

I've used diazepam in the past to clear my head. When I'm stressed I get overwhelmed with racing thoughts, and diazepam really helps my brain slow down.

I only use it sparingly (I think I've been prescribed like 30 pills total in the past 5 years or so).

Anywho, today the GP refused to prescribe any this time that I feel like I could do with a few (just made redundant).

Instead they told me to take an antihistamine (promethazine) which I've taken but only makes me drowsy and dries my mouth.

So can anyone think of anything else I can take?

OP posts:
driedgrasses · 02/05/2025 16:51

Magnolia bark, valerian, passiflora and Ltheanine can help. Get the sun theanine Solgar brand.

Mumtobabyhavoc · 02/05/2025 16:54

another gp appt to discuss further.

Original poster
Ethicaldebacle · 02/05/2025 17:01

Mumtobabyhavoc · 02/05/2025 16:54

another gp appt to discuss further.

I don't think they can/do much more unless they're happy to prescribe a different benzo.

Whenever I've needed is because something else is going on in my life, and they work wonderfully in that sense.

When I was on the verge of divorcing, diazepam removed the noise and let me think clearly.

When I've felt overwhelmed with life (2 years ago) one those and a bath left me like a completely new person.

I think I've been prescribed them twice, and that's how long they've lasted!

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Mumtobabyhavoc · 02/05/2025 17:26

Ethicaldebacle · 02/05/2025 17:01

I don't think they can/do much more unless they're happy to prescribe a different benzo.

Whenever I've needed is because something else is going on in my life, and they work wonderfully in that sense.

When I was on the verge of divorcing, diazepam removed the noise and let me think clearly.

When I've felt overwhelmed with life (2 years ago) one those and a bath left me like a completely new person.

I think I've been prescribed them twice, and that's how long they've lasted!

Show quote history

Everything you've said warrants a good chat with your doctor. Your reasons are valid.

Original poster
Ethicaldebacle · 02/05/2025 17:31

I could try a different GP. She only said "longer term health implications". Min you this was all via text

OP posts:
Mumtobabyhavoc · 02/05/2025 22:15

Ethicaldebacle · 02/05/2025 17:31

I could try a different GP. She only said "longer term health implications". Min you this was all via text

You don't take it daily, though? She's likely referring to the link to dementia. Suggesting taking an antihistamine off book is a bit 🤔 as a medical solution

Mumtobabyhavoc · 02/05/2025 22:18

I took both diazepam and clonazepam for my anxiety. No addiction. About three months of fatigue when I stopped, but could've tapered better to reduce that. Haven't take it regularly for 4 years. Info is just for perspective.

Original poster
Ethicaldebacle · 02/05/2025 22:50

Mumtobabyhavoc · 02/05/2025 22:15

You don't take it daily, though? She's likely referring to the link to dementia. Suggesting taking an antihistamine off book is a bit 🤔 as a medical solution

Show quote history

No I don't! I haven't taken any in 2 years! I don't abuse it and use exactly what it's for. It helps me clear my head without any side effects.

OP posts:
ArminTamzerian · 02/05/2025 22:53

Weed?

Original poster
Ethicaldebacle · 02/05/2025 22:55

ArminTamzerian · 02/05/2025 22:53

Weed?

Makes me super paranoid (so the opposite effect).

OP posts:
QuiteUnbelievable · 02/05/2025 22:56

Op as others have said try a different doctor it's absolutely ridiculous to stop you having more if they have evidence that you have had so few in a long time...

I've also used it very sparingly over time and it's an absolutely wonderful drug that's helped me so many times in small doses with ages in between....

ArminTamzerian · 02/05/2025 22:58

Ethicaldebacle · 02/05/2025 22:55

Makes me super paranoid (so the opposite effect).

Show quote history

Yeah, maybe not then. Works for me in small doses.

Original poster
Ethicaldebacle · 02/05/2025 23:03

QuiteUnbelievable · 02/05/2025 22:56

Op as others have said try a different doctor it's absolutely ridiculous to stop you having more if they have evidence that you have had so few in a long time...

I've also used it very sparingly over time and it's an absolutely wonderful drug that's helped me so many times in small doses with ages in between....

Exactly. To me it's a wonderful medicine that has helped at the lowest points of my life. No abuse, no addiction. Probably only need like 5 days worth max. (And that will likely last a couple of years too).

OP posts:
QuiteUnbelievable · 02/05/2025 23:41

@Ethicaldebacle agree and whilst I can see how it can be addictive I don't think that should ruin it like the rest of us.
I've used it far less than days in a row.

QuiteUnbelievable · 02/05/2025 23:46

Op of course they can prescribe it go to another doc as long as you're being truthful they can see your not abusing it

DurinsBane · 02/05/2025 23:49

Doctors hate prescribing diazepam now. I think because it can be very addictive

elfendom · 03/05/2025 00:39

Some people get addicted and it ruins it for everyone. Who is this actually being prescribed for now? I agree with @Mumtobabyhavoc sending people the way of anti-histamines is odd and completely overdone. Sleep problems - anti-histamine; calm - anti-histamine. I'd post your question on reddit or see a different doctor who'll prescribe you the few you are asking for.

EmeraldRoulette · 03/05/2025 00:57

Doctors barely prescribe it now

frankly they prefer you on longer term stuff. It's dreadful.

I had one doctor tell me "you clearly don't need it as you've had so few over the years".

I wish I had suggestions @Ethicaldebacle but I too need an alternative.

you could try a high strength CBD but it's nowhere near as good.

ShrunkInTheWashAgain · 03/05/2025 02:23

Yes I’ve used it in the past before v v sparingly
literally like you maybe a 3 tablets a year !
but the gps literally don’t prescribe them anymore
even for such short term use

no they’d rather put you on anti depressants that mes up your Brain chemicals

merrymelody · 03/05/2025 05:15

My GP refuses to prescribe benzos. I take edibles instead.

mjf981 · 03/05/2025 06:33

Melatonin? It has worked for me in the past.
May help with sleep, but I guess it won't do anything for anxiety though.

Original poster
Ethicaldebacle · 03/05/2025 06:56

mjf981 · 03/05/2025 06:33

Melatonin? It has worked for me in the past.
May help with sleep, but I guess it won't do anything for anxiety though.

Edited

Yes I've used them for sleeping (and worked) but wouldn't work for just "slowing down" my brain.

OP posts:
willowstar · 03/05/2025 07:32

I was having terrible problems getting anything to help me sleep when I was going through a very bad bought of insomnia. The GP would only prescribe low dose zopiclone which did nothing for me. In desperation I paid for an online private GP consultation and was prescribed a short course of diazepam. I never ever thought I would pay for private but it was the only way I could get the help I needed and It felt listened to. Just a suggestion.

DinoLil · 03/05/2025 08:09

I've used diazepam in the same way as you, and for chronic pain. I went to my GP and asked for a prescription when my world fell apart 8yrs ago. He gave me two tablets and said if I wanted more then I'd have to 'buy them on the streets like a normal drug addict', also that he would make a note that any GP in that practice who prescribed to me in future would be immediately dismissed.

Original poster
Ethicaldebacle · 03/05/2025 08:22

DinoLil · 03/05/2025 08:09

I've used diazepam in the same way as you, and for chronic pain. I went to my GP and asked for a prescription when my world fell apart 8yrs ago. He gave me two tablets and said if I wanted more then I'd have to 'buy them on the streets like a normal drug addict', also that he would make a note that any GP in that practice who prescribed to me in future would be immediately dismissed.

I'm sorry that happened to you. Did you complain? That was completely unacceptable

OP posts: