hiya,
my neurological condition limits me massively. i get very anxious. i am prescribed diazepam 2.5 mg up to 4 times a day. i find 2.5 mg really helps. At most i take 5mg in a 24 hour period. i just feel ashamed for needing this, and am worried about becoming addicted. Has anyone got any thoughts? I just feel weak for needing diazepam at all.
I have never taken that. You are strong for trying to overcome your anxiety, and I’m proud of you 🙂
Thanks 😊
why are you concerned about becoming addicted?
i just am. i get anxious over being anxious 😬
I understand getting anxious over getting anxious. that comes with the territory. has your dr gone over any cautions and concerns about taking a benzodiazepine? have you had a conversation about when you may stop taking it?
there’s nothing weak about this.
certainly nothing to be ashamed of.
Thanks. 😊
Diazepam is probably THE most valuable aid to anxiety disorder in the pharmaceutical box of tricks. It gives instant relief from the demons, you've hardly swallowed it and you're feeling better already.But it should only be taken in the quantities you mention for no more than a few weeks and then half a tablet only when needed. Otherwise it becomes less effective and the temptation is to take more. So it's no good as a permanent solution. But you can use the relief it brings to buy time to put in place measures that will lead to your recovery.
The self help measure I always recommend is 'Self help for your nerves' by Doctor Claire Weekes, also published under the title of 'Hope and help for your nerves'. This little book, written 60 years ago, has helped millions across the globe to find respite and recovery and earned Claire the title for her recent biography of 'the woman who cracked the anxiety code'.
Anxiety first made itself known to me in 1974 and I started taking diazepam daily. After a year I stopped and felt dreadful so I gave myself the luxury of tapering off them over 6 months.
Then I discovered a copy of Claire's first book named above and it gave me true understanding and a formula for recovery that can be summed up in 6 words: Face. Accept. Float. Let time pass. Gradually I recovered.
Over the years I had a couple of setbacks but I knew from experience how to see it off. I admit that I still very occasionally take half a diazepam. But only very occasionally.
Diazepam was derived from an ancient remedy from the Indian sub-continent known as the Rawawulfa root. Used by them for many hundreds of years, possibly thousands. It was 'discovered' by two La Roche chemists in 1948 studying traditional remedies. It was synthesised by La Roche and the rest is history.
The Indian patriot Mahatma Ghandi, known for his saintly and pacific nature, started each day with a bowl of porridge made from the Rawawulfa root. So you are in good company.
thank you so much for posting this reply, Jeff. I was in a pinch and knew you had put up an excellent reply that covered everything, this was it.
I wouldn’t worry over such a low dose, as long as you keep to the prescribed dose as instructed and they help you, Drs don’t like giving it only in the short term, but as such a low dose helps you and as long as you don’t go over that you should be ok, I do nt see anything to be ashamed of, if you had pain you’d take painkillers, as said it’s only advisable short term or for emergencies, good luck
In my opinion if a medication works in a positive way then who cares if your dependent on benzodiazepines.
Sorry to hear about you’re anxiety hope time will be a healer feel free to inquire with support which may help you evaluate youre situation many talk therapy’s are very adaptive with youre concerns seek professional advice always if matters or worries elevate hope things change for the better
The only problem with diaz is you might "slack off" on your other anxiety techniques.
Stay strong. Stay informed. See this through.
And good luck!
I think you're right about being cautious about addiction. Diazepam is extremely addictive for most people, like any other benzo. The most important thing, in my view, is: What coping mechanisms you are working on while temporarily relying on diazepam as a crutch? You'll have to find what non-medication techniques work for you, and practice them diligently. None will offer the instant relief of a benzo, but finding your own practice to deal with anxiety is the only sustainable way forward. It takes a lot of searching and trial-and-error, but it's well worth it. Also try to get counselling if you can, or look up counselling for anxiety materials online - there's so much of it!
When you and your doctor decide it's time to stop, you'll likely need to taper off for some time and be prepared to work your way through the temporary withdrawal symptoms.
As others have said above, try to let go of any feelings of shame or guilt, and look at this period as an opportunity to build yourself stronger.
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