Diazepam - any experience

[Cheryllou]

Hi my doctor has prescribed me diazepam on top anti depressants as I’m really struggling after my husband of 34 years (married 22) has left saying he’s not in love with me any more. This has been stretched out over a year and I’m mentally exhausted- can’t eat or sleep or focus. I know I need to pull my socks up but I need to be in a stronger mental health position. Has anyone had any experience with diazepam (Valium) for managing extreme sadness and anxiety? I’m not wording this very well…

I hope your dr has prescribed Valium as a very short term measure op. It’s common for a dr to prescribe say 2 weeks worth to get over a traumatic event, but it’s not a great drug to take long term because it’s very addictive. It mainly has a numbing effect. Anti depressants will always be better for long term mental health issues.

Maybe take half a tablet so you don't get addicted.

So sorry you're going through this op. I didn't think they prescribed diazapam long term anymore? They wouldn't even give me more than 3 tablets after two bereavements, and that was after a long patronising lecture on addiction. Gp just went on about mindfulness and the usual stuff they spout. They are so controlled now.

I don't even take anything else, and haven't been addicted to anything in my life. I had them prescribed years ago after a car accident and they really helped op. I needed 5mg to take the edge off. 2mg did nothing for me. Have a word with your gp if you're unsure, because they can be highly addictive for some people. Good luck 💐

I'd see another doctor.

Valium is not a solution. You need to find other ways

It is a wonderful drug, like taking a holiday inside your own brain. Not suitable for more than a few days because it is so addictive.

It isn't going to make you function better, you'll just function less while not giving a fuck.

Please, please don't take valium or any other type of tranquilliser. My mother got addicted so quickly and her whole personality changed. We eventually persuaded her to wean off them, but even now, four years on she still exhibits drug seeking behaviour and it is terrible to witness.

It is perfectly appropriate for a doc to prescribe it as a very short term support. Just be aware that will only be helpful for a very few doses. After that, it becomes less effective at the prescribed dose and can no longer help you.

Just make sure that you only use it as your doctor has advised and that you use the short-term support that it provides to think about what longer term measures you need to put in place to help you function.

EDIT: Please don't be frightened by the anti-diazepam posts. If it was impossible to prescribe it safely it wouldn't be prescribed at all. I have used it a few times over the last 18 months without any difficulties.

Useful for crisis management in acute situations.

It is perfectly acceptable in circumstances like this and takes the edge off panic and frantic mood. It is addictive if taken long term. A few days/weeks isn’t long term and it is particularly useful to manage the first few weeks of antidepressant use as there can be some troublesome side effects initially.

It’s also useful for muscle stiffness such as trapped nerves - again for short term use. The people who are scare mongering need to read up on appropriate prescribing, which is what your GP clearly has done.

You shouldn’t be advising on “half a tablet”! You’ve no idea what dose she has been prescribed in the first place!

i Really don’t know what’s best. Right now I feel like I can’t go in but I know that’s not the answer and just want to be able to get a grip.

I agree. These posters should be ashamed of themselves. The OP has not sourced these on the blackmarket, the GP has prescribed them.
Follow the dosage instructions the gp has advised and they will be a very useful tool to get through the first few weeks op. Hopefully by then you will be through the worst of the very intense feelings.

It's not scare lingering at all. Currently sitting in a&e with my dd who was prescribed diazepam for exam panic for two weeks.

She's now got horrific withdrawal symptoms and we are needing to get help with a managed reduction which will last many more weeks than she used them for.

I've taken it short term. It helps. I'm not addicted!

My gp prescribes me diazepam occasionally when I’m really struggling, as an emergency measure.
I get 2mg tablets to take up to 3 times a day. It numbs things, I still know what’s going on but I’m not so concerned about them.
A medical professional knows far more about your need than Mumsnet. If a GP has suggested trying them then you should. Perhaps don’t take them routinely but as and when you need them (obviously not more than the prescribed dose). This is what I do and I’ve not had any addiction issues.

It can be helpful in a crisis.

I have a very small prescription and it is a life saver.

Doctors are very very reluctant to describe it so if your doctor has, it is because they believe it is in your best interests.

I took it when I was on the verge of divorce, it actually helped quite a bit, as it let me have "epiphanies" and could think clearly.

I was on 45mg a day

Didn't become addicted, I only take it when feeling overwhelmed these days. Take it one day, and then all done!

How much have you been prescribed? It's very useful as an emergency measure to give you some mental relief, but try to avoid taking it continously. So once or twice, but no more. Are you getting counselling, talking through what is happening can be very useful. I had some life coaching which really helped me focus on a way forward.

45mg a day???

Whoah, maybe pp is meaning 4 mg a day?

Please be careful. A very close family member was prescribed diazepam as a short term measure and ended up addicted. Doctor just kept issuing a repeat prescription for several years. He’s been on it so long now I can’t see him ever coming off.

Its fine to take short term but please keep talking to your doctor and don’t just request repeat prescriptions.

@Cheryllou I was prescribed it years ago. Very low dose for about 6 weeks which is the longest it is meant to be used for in any one hit.

I have never had any issues with addiction to it.

In low doses it is a relaxant and great for helping you get to slee0.

What dose have you been give/instructions for taking it

No matter how they're prescribed, benzos should be taken at the absolute minimum dose possible. Never pop them around the clock just because it says so on a prescription note. I know someone who got extremely addicted despite taking it as ordered by their doctor. It was over a very short time period and the withdrawal process was brutal.

Imagine it like a headache. You wouldn't take painkillers three times a day if you didn't feel any pain. However if you have a crushing headache, taking a painkiller gives you blessed relief. Before taking any dose, gauge whether you really need it and if not, just skip it. Benzos are different to anti-depressants in that you don't need to take it regularly to build up an effect. They are essentially like painkillers for emotional pain and the effect goes away after a few hours.