Hi I'm new here

[Debbie1967]

My doctor has just changed my meds up to 30mg paroxetine and u was taking half larazapam 1mg on and off but my anxiety is worse so now the doctor wants me to go onto DIazepam 5mg and I'm a bit worried can anyone give me any good advice please x

[Hidden]

Hi Debbie

Sorry just saw this other post after I replied to your first one. Its ok to be worried about medication - and good you ask questions. Diazepam( it used to be called Valium ) is a benzodiazepine, like ativan for example. Like all benzos it is an addictive drug if not carefully monitored by the doctor. However, it has a good general reputation for effectiveness in controlling negative thoughts and some anxiety. The dosage you have been prescribed is the standard one.

Medication is something that each individual has to choose or reject for themselves. It can be useful in the short term for helping to calm and relax people. My own view is that medication cannot replace therapy. Medication will treat symptoms only - except in the very few cases where anxiety is caused by abnormal brain chemicals. Therapy will dig down to the root cause of the anxiety. Depression is another issue altogether - it is much more likely to have a physical element e.g imbalance in hormones and brain chemicals.

In the end the choice is yours Debbie. Medication can be, and is, useful for some people. Perhaps you should be asking your doctor for advice and alternatives. My advice would be to try therapy again - with medication help if you need it.

Karl

[Debbie1967 in reply to Hidden]

Thank you x