Diazepam - can I increase dose as a one-off without asking GP?

[Worryingwart]

I have a few 2mg diazepam tablets which I was prescribed for fear of flying last year. They made me feel a bit more relaxed than usual but I still felt very anxious. Now I have something coming up tonight which I am TERRIFIED about and my anxiety level is already extremely high - I am going to take one of the leftover tablets but do you think I could safely take 2, ie. a total of 4mg? I don't think the 2mg will be enough. I know I should ring my GP to ask but it's a bit late notice and I doubt they'll get me an answer by tonight. Plus I really don't want to get into it all with them on the phone...

You could. But they could make you extremely drowsy and you may not be able to function very well.
What is it you have to do tonight?

Hmmm, good point about feeling drowsy. I have to walk home in the dark as well. Got to have a smear test and I always find them agonisingly painful and traumatic "A little uncomfortable", my arse...

I will not advise on whether you can safely increase your dose or not because only a doctor can safely do that. But I will say that I take a tranquilliser and have found inscreasing the dose helpful at times. Can you ring the GP and speak to someome? They may be able to give you the safe go ahead over the telephone?

I do empathise re the smear test btw. {{{}}}

i would
i have some 5mg at home and they make me feel very relaxed.
good luck

It would defo not be a good idea to walk home alone after taking that much diazepam.

I would speak to your doctor and explain how you feel about the smear test. They should be understand and can advise you better than we can. They might be able to prescribe something else to help.

Or could someone go with you, in case if you do feel woozy?

That is a good idea Patty (re taking a friend with you). I took a vg friend with me to my last one - she actually came in the room with me, although she waited the other side of the curtain! It helped to know she was with me.

I think it would really depend on your tolerance to them. I have taken way more than 4mg when flying (as well as a few stiff drinks as I'm petrified). Agree maybe you should get someone to walk home with you or get a taxi.

Smears are awful aren't they? Just had mine last week so I know what you mean.

yes, everyone's tolerane and reaction to drugs is different, so we must not advise on dosage. Can you ring the surgery?

Thanks everyone. I phoned the GP and they were able to answer over the phone - she said it would be fine to take 2.

oh well done WW. Take them about half an hour before you go.

Can you arrange with a friend to text them before you go and then when you get back?

Also, try to let the nurse know that you are anxious about your smear.

Best of luck for it - let us know how you are later

nas
x

never stopped me from walking would take a van load to knock me out

erm me neither Candy

but more to the point, how are you WW?

Well I'm not sure the 4mg did much either It was pretty awful, I cried all the way through and it was SO painful, but it's hopefully out of the way for a few years now . But you get so many 'contaminated samples' or whatever you call them, that I bet I have to have it done again. I guess the drugs worked a bit, I did feel more relaxed whilst I was waiting, no hyperventilating or anything, but I felt just as bad when actually having it done. I was completely able to drive afterwards, didn't feel in the slightest bit sleepy or anything - maybe next time I'll ask for more

Thanks for your support, everyone!

10mg would have done trick.

I use them when I have have dental treatment, or hospital, or for when I chair a large meeting, or hav to drive somewhere unknown.

Gosh, that it quite a lot of use1

sorry it was still painful for you WW - but well done for getting it done. Maybe talk to your GP about another prescription for times like last night? in advance of the occasion?