Panic attacks and valium

[ces6]

Hello. This is related to coronavirus but I don't want to post there as it really is a mental health problem. I am in an area which is "locked down" and we can't go out much at all. Living in a small flat with no garden this is proving difficult! Anyway, it has to be done and I know a lot of people are in a far worse situation. My question is - I keep waking up in the night, remembering and getting into a complete panic and not being able to sleep. I have some valium (diazepam?) that a doctor prescribed me a few years ago as I had a fear of flying but haven't taken it since. Can I take it now? I can't get through to my doctor and I don't want to go in person! Any ideas on coping with this? I can't fall apart now!!

I am not a medical professional and I would not want to say online that you should take Valium which is a highly addictive drug.

I went through a long period of waking and panicking. What worked for me was listening to Tara Brach’s pod cast - google her, she is a meditation teacher and her website has podcasts and meditations, some of the talks are up to an hour long and great for night hours (and I got to the stage where I fall asleep listening to her voice). I also downloaded the mindfulness app which has podcasts for sleeping and also for shifting your attention and focus to things which will not make you panic. Amazon prime also has some sleep music tracks - they don’t work for me but my Dd uses them every night to help her sleep.

I do have a Valium prescription which is the 2mg tablets and I have on occasion taken it for insomnia but very occasionally when the Tara Brach is not working and I am very anxious in the day as well due to certain things which trigger me, and it would not be my starting point.

Which is a way of saying yes I think you could take it, but you need a strategy which does not rely on it.

They are probably out of date by now. Do not take any Benzos without a doctor telling you to.

Thanks. I will try the podcast.

I would speak to a doctor first, how did the tablets affect you last time?
I often take diazapam when things spiral so it can be helpful.
I hope things improve soon.

They were fine. I only used them for two flights and they just took the edge of panic off!