Diazepam alternatives

[Chloe9]

I would rather not have to use this again (and my psychiatrist doesn't want to prescribe it anyway as he just doesn't prescribe it to anyone) but I'm struggling to find an alternative

Thing is some days I'm fine and can manage seemingly very stressful and anxiety provoking situations. And other days I have a panic about the tiniest thing and can't get myself out of it sometimes for the whole day (so I miss appointments, social engagements, and can't hold down a job).

I'm waiting for therapy, EMDR, Group therapy and 1:1 work and a family support worker, I have reached out and I am taking antidepressants. But this is just holding me back. Diazepam used to bridge that gap for me and get my functioning better on those bad times or bad days but I cannot find an alternative and don't want to go beg the Doctor or use crisis team for this. I'd like a medication I can just have just in case for when I hit an anxiety wall.

Is there an alternative to diazepam?

Thanks

My doctor gave me Propanolol, a beta blocker, 80mg slow release, one a day. It has worked but slows your heart rate and blood pressure. Makes me tired too.

I have very low blood pressure so can't take propanol unfortunately (or any other beta blockers).

Could you change your antidepressant? Mine is for anxiety too but it took a while to work.

Mirtazapine. I had to come off of sedatives and this antidepressant had the same calming effects (as well as helping me sleep) but without the addictive traits of your older sedatives. Most doctors are happy to prescribe them have a research.

I’m on setraline. After years of taking diazepam as and when, and I feel much more stable/on an even keel now.
My other go to medications used to be antihistamines to knock me out, and travel sickness tablets to make me drowsy (both for anxiety when I was trying to sleep)

I was also going to say Mirtazapine.

Sorry yeah I didn't specify it's Mirtazapine that I'm on already

I was on diazepam and was moved to Quetiapine long term. Best decision ever made.

@mordecaithomas

What dosage have you found helpful? I have been very curious about moving over to Quetiapine

I started on 150. It was initially given to me for three months to help with a nervous breakdown. They've since decided to keep me on it long term.