Diazepam - experiences

[HerculesMulligan]

I have to have a gynae procedure tomorrow that won't be under sedation (it's quick, to be fair, but likely to be uncomfortable). My lovely GP has given me some diazepam to take 30 mins or so beforehand, but I don't drink and have no experience of drugs apart from painkillers, so I'm trying to work out if I might regret taking them.

(The context here is that I reacted quite weirdly to gas and air (felt like I was passing out, stopped following the midwife's instructions etc) during labour).

I would like to be more alert than that during the procedure. Can anyone share their experience of taking them?

I take a take them for flying. They’re great, just make you feel nice and relaxed. Enjoy 👍

How many do you have? You could take one before bed the night before to see how you feel with then?

I take diazepam to fly... But I also take enough to knock me out for up to nine hours. It just makes me sleepy but add a couple of glasses of wine and I'm out for the count, bloody marvellous stuff

If you want to be alert, I wouldn't take more than 2-4mg. It should take the edge off but not everyone reacts the same to it - and for some people it has no effect at all.

You should probably let the person who’s taking consent for your procedure (if it’s not been done already) know you’ve taken an oral sedative if you’re planning to take it before arriving. It could be argued that you are not able to give proper informed consent if you’ve had benzo’s beforehand.

Half a tablet is enough to stop me stressing, it seems to take the edge off. (I've not had them in years though).
I'm quite thin so easily knocked for six.

I very rarely take any medication, e.g. only one painkiller at a time, but valium doesn't make me feel woozy. All the anxiety just melts away and I feel perfectly normal in a stressful situation.

You will be alert just quiet relaxed