To ask if it’s safe to take 2 Diazepam?

[CFEC]

I did something to my back at the weekend and have been in agony since Sunday evening. I finally admitted defeat this morning and went to the dr, he prescribed me some Diazepam as it’s gone into spasm. I’ve never taken Diazepam before, he said take 1, 3 times a day, but that if 1 doesn’t work to take 2 at the same time.

I took one this morning at 11.30, tbh, it did relieve it a bit but not loads. The pain has now fully come back as I haven’t taken another one since. I’m thinking of taking 2 like he suggested but am a bit worried as I know it’s a beta blocker. I know he wouldn’t have suggested it if it wasn’t safe but I’m such a worry wort and hate taking medicine/ pain relief but equally, would like a more pain free evening if poss.

I’m in for the night now, don’t need to drive etc.

Your doctor said to take 2 if need be, and it sounds like you need it. Just take them.

What mg is the prescription?
Diazepam is NOT a Beta Blocker.

Astonishing. Clear advice from the Dr, but let's ask mumsnet?

In any event no, not a beta blocker, rather a benzodiazepine. And it comes in several different strength doses.

So - so what your doctor said.

do*

Diazepam is a benzodiazapine not a beta blocker, it's perhaps better known as Valium. You don't say what dose the tablets are. I would try taking them regularly (as prescribed) for a couple of days and not just when the pain comes back. If you suffered no drowsiness or other known effects of benzos then I think you can try 2 as the Dr advised.

Okay, sorry for being silly, just wanted to check as I was in a lot of pain and wasn’t listening/ thinking properly.

For some reason I tgboubt it was a beta-blocker!

It bought me relief when my shoulder was horrendous. Only needed to take it for 2 days.

The dose is 2mg. No, I wouldn’t say it made me drowsy though I think I did feel more relaxed but guess that would make sense.

I know they are prescribed but i would advise caution with valium - they are highly addictive.

You need to take them at the 3 per day, you e left it too long, doubling doesn't mean it will last. Twice as long

Your doctor has told you what to do and they know your medical profile - I wouldn’t take advice from a single person on here!

Is it 2mg? If so then yes you can take two if Dr said you can and if you aren't affected by any side effects.
Please also be aware in case Dr didn't mention it already that diazepam can be addictive.

I hope you were given advice about driving and operating machinery whilst taking them too.

www.nhs.uk/medicines/diazepam/

The NHS link gives the dosage minimum and maximum for back spasms just to reassure you.

I’ve had diazepam for back spasms and you do need to take them as directed and not be too cautious and stretch them out. It’s a very effective treatment.

4mg will still be a tiny dose. I know people who are taking 20/30 mg in one go. So I wouldn't worry about taking two . You might just feel a bit drowsy or spaced.

Diazepam is amazing. Highly addictive. Have you been given exercises to do for your back? Often moving around is a good thing though it might not seem it.

Are you taking decent pain killers as well, the diazepam is mild but does help with spasms and relaxation.

2mg? I would take 5 of those to feel anything.

I have in fact.

I don't recommend that though. I'm just pointing out how low that dose it.

It's 7pm ie night time so I wouldn't worry about it making you drowsy right now. You can take ibuprofen, and paracetamol or co-codamol, as well alongside the diazepam. Those are standard painkillers which you can buy from the pharmacy in the UK. Although co-codamol will add to the drowsiness, it comes in 3 strengths of codeine (think it's 5mg, 8mg and 12.5mg). If you're in pain that could make you seize up more, delaying your recovery, so if you need pain relief take it. Both co-codamol and diazepam are addictive but if you're not going to become an addict in a week or two, which is probably all you'll need them for. If drowsiness during the day is a problem a lot of co-codamol has caffeine in it which helps counteract that, although you can get it without the caffeine too. Painkillers mask pain (so be sure not to do whatever caused the spasms in the first place just because you feel fine), diazepam will actually deal with the problem by relaxing the spasms. You need to take it as prescribed, 3 times per day so the muscles stay relaxed enough for long enough to 'heal themselves' or whatever it is they need to do so the spasms don't return. Hope you feel better soon. I'm not a doctor just a person with a bad back.

@HurryUpAndWait23

2mg? I would take 5 of those to feel anything.

I have in fact.

I don't recommend that though. I'm just pointing out how low that dose it.

Same here!

Yes you can.

2mg is such a tiny dose that it wouldn't do much, you can get 10mg tablets!

Treat yourself to another couple of tablets, it's Friday night!

Ooh I love diazepam

@Cheeserton I completely agree. Bizarre.

That should be fine . Particularly as the Dr has said you can .

I was on 20mgs at one time. I dont think you can even get addicted on 4 mgs.