Diazepam

[FluffyUnicornz]

I have been prescribed Diazepam for my anxiety so on bad days I can hopefully leave the house. The GP prescribed me x7 of the 2mg tablets so very few tablets on a low dose. I took one tablet yesterday which did absolutely nothing.
I’m wondering if I should try taking 2 next time?
Should I phone the GP and make them aware otherwise it’s going to look like I have used the few tablets I’ve been given in a shorter than expected time frame?
Obviously I know they can be addictive if taken for a long time or high doses but also there is no point in taking one again for it to have no effect. Not sure what the best thing is to do.

Hi @FluffyUnicornz,

2mg is pretty low, did they discuss the possibility of taking beta blockers instead of diazepam?

I agree that 2mg will basically have no effect. I would give them a ring and explain. GPs are very reluctant to prescribe diazepam these days but like you OP I can see no point in taking a medication if the dose is too low to do anything.

@rainbowninja hi, yes I have previously tried propranolol which did nothing. I have previously been referred to have CBT alongside the antidepressants as well, however I was deemed too complex for them and needed to be referred to a specific team who haven’t yet given me an appointment to start. So the idea of the diazepam was to help me out of a crisis and reducing anxiety when it gets really bad in the mean time.

@MythicalBiologicalFennel Thankyou… I think I will phone and speak to the GP and explain. If I had maybe 5mg tablets instead or took two of the 2mg first to see if that increase was enough, hopefully they could change the prescription?
Based on how often my mood dips or anxiety worsens badly enough to need them I would only be taking them possibly once a day on 2 days a week, potentially 3 on a really bad week. I can’t really see how 5-10mg a week could cause too many issues that outweigh the potential benefits of preventing a crisis/panic attack.

Bump😬

2mg does fuck all.
When I need to use mine I take 10mg.

Maybe go back to your GP and ask for a higher dose.

Not maybe, sorry, should say absolutely.

I have 10mg for back pain when I need it, 2mg won’t do anything!

Hi @FluffyUnicornz, did you speak to the GP? Agree with other posters that 2mg is pretty low.

Is there any sign of the therapy referral? And in the meantime could you do anything to reduce the physical impact of the anxiety? Are you sleeping/getting exercise/eating well?

I haven’t managed to get an appointment yet. Next pre bookable was 2 weeks away, so will keep phoning every morning when the phone lines open in the hope that once I finally get through there are appointments left.
I’m not sleeping that well, feel exhausted all the time so then have no energy to exercise and little appetite. Seems like a vicious circle I’m stuck going round in with no indication of how long the help is away….

Iv just been prescribed 2mg too, and I’m that anxious that I am even anxious about taking one and not feeling good, or not waking up to do the school run.
I can’t win

Iv just been prescribed 2mg diazepam for my chronic anxiety disorder. But I can’t seem to shake the feeling of being even more anxious at taking something, I don’t know anyone who’s taken them to try and understand what they will make me feel like, if they don’t help they said they will increase the dosage. But I can’t bring myself to take one! How long will I feel the effects, I have to be up every day for the school run, so if I took it at 10pm would I feel like crap 7am? I’m absolutely s@#tting myself , thanks for any replies in advance I appreciate it x

That’s such a low dose. I have been prescribed the same dose for back spasms and might as well be taking smarties. It’s been the devils own job getting those prescribed. I think GPs must be under great pressure to prescribe the lowest dose they can but if they’re doing nothing there’s very little point prescribing them at all. I’d ask if they could increase the dose but you might have to fight for it that to happen. I totally get the addiction issues but that doesn’t mean everyone should be deprived of a drug that can help them. I’ve tried every drug going for muscle spasms and the side effects were awful, so diazepam was the best of a bad lot for me. Fight your corner if you find it the most helpful drug for you. Good luck.

Diazepam 2mg should kick in within 20min. You'll be able to function as normal.
Have you tried any apps for anxiety.
Headspace is good and you get a 7 day free trial. They have specific bits for anxiety. I find it really good.

My 4 year old has more than 2mg of diazepam. She takes it for a different reason but I can’t imagine 2mg doing much for an adult