Taking Diazepam about 6 times a year - terrified now of dementia?

[rocksandhardplace]

I take Diazepam roughly 6 times a year at a dose of 7.5mg to attend a hospital clinic where I have a procedure and scan I cannot cope with otherwise it is extremely distressing and terrifies me out of my wits. This is every few months. Then for example I took it for my root canal at the dentist. Meaning since last summer I took it 6 times.

Obviously it is common knowledge that benzodiazpines are incredibly addictive and bad news. However I thought I was OK in my usage as I don't feel a temptation to take it daily. Now I have read that there is a link to dementia which is so scary.

Am I just totally fucked now am I massively increasing the odds of dementia? I honestly don't know how else to cope with my hospital appointments or if I need another root canal beta blockers don't help that type of panic for me at all.

How can I resolve it is there any other safer medication for these situations?

I think how you're using it is fine. I probably take slightly more over the course of a year. I get 28 x 2mg prescribed every 7-8 months, I'm not remotely concerned about taking it as I only do it when absolutely necessary.

I wouldn't worry at all. It's not regular use, it's occasional use.

This is health anxiety about dementia. Your diazepam-use is fine.

Is this prescribed by your doctor or does the dentist prescribe it?

You'll be fine, read all then other threads on here and you'll realise you are quite sane!

It’s not an issue in the slightest

Prescribed by GP for medical appointments to take as needed. Dentist offered but I have them already from GP so no need.

I suppose I'm worried at where the threshold is for it damaging the brain. Ideally I'd not take any.