Views on Diazepam

[Arlene99]

Anyone got any views on taking Diazepam short term for acute anxiety attack? If so does it make you feel spaced out all day, or just make you calmer and more able yo cope.

[ChicagoGirl1961]

On the correct dose it will calm you and greatly diminish anxiety, typically won't make you feel spaced out if taken in low doses as prescribed. But you should be ware of just how quickly you can develop a physical dependence on benzodiazepines, and although you may plan on only taking short term it may not work out that way. These types of meds can be very difficult to stop taking so you should research what you're getting into and use caution. If you do start taking diazepam it's best to take the very lowest effective dose. Good luck and be well.

[Arlene99 in reply to ChicagoGirl1961]

Thank u for ur reply, I will just be so happy to be rid of this feeling that's it's got to be worth a try. I am taking 2mg during the day & 5mg at nighttime.

[ChicagoGirl1961 in reply to Arlene99]

Diazepam is a good choice if you have to take a benzodiazepine because it has a long half life and does not require more frequentl dosing like Xanax. Your dose is low and it's best if you can keep it low because dependence will develop if you take it on a regular basis relatively quickly. The lower the dose the less difficult it will be to come off at some point if you choose to, but once dependence develops it's hard to come off of regardless of dosage. That being said, if this med greatly improves the quality of life and benefits outweigh the risks you may choose to stay on and there is nothing wrong with that, just don't underestimate how quickly you can become physically dependent and the potential withdrawal yow may go through if you elect to stop. Good luck and and be well.

[ChicagoGirl1961 in reply to Arlene99]

Have you discussed taking an antidepressant to help with anxiety? Effexor is very effective for many people. It effectively can manage both depression and anxiety for some. If you are having trouble sleeping perhaps one of the Z meds like lunesta or Ambien. I suggest the antidepressant and Z med for sleep to perhaps consider taking before diazepam creates dependence. I look at benzodiazepines as the nuclear option when all else has failed because once benzos become a habit sometimes there is no coming off even if you want to. All of what I have shared in this post is based on personal experience. I just hate for someone to potentially become dependent on benzos before exhausting other options. Many doctors are to quick to prescribe benzo meds without discussing the potential problems these meds can create.

[Biddy47 in reply to ChicagoGirl1961]

How quickly does it take to become dependent. I have been taking one 2mg. tablet a day for 4 weeks. Sometimes I can get through a day without taking any. I did the same thing over a year ago and just stopped without any problems, but the last thing I want is to become dependent.

[ChicagoGirl1961 in reply to Biddy47]

It's different for everyone, and you can still become dependent on low dosages. That being said, 2mg diazepam is a very low dose, and although you could "potentially" have some discomfort were you to stop completely, I don't think it would be particurilly problematic to come off. You can develop a dependence in a matter of weeks, but with the low dose you are on if you have developed a dependence you would likely be able to overcome it without substantial discomfort. I would recommend talking with your doctor about taking an antidepressant that will alleviate both depression and anxiety which could make the diazepam unnecessary. Choosing between the two, I think the antidepressant therapy is less problematic and more beneficial than taking benzodiazepines. I've you can avoid taking benzo meds over the long term you are better off imo, however for some a low dose benzo med is necessary, and if that's the case it's ok, but you want to be careful and take it he lowest effective dose to avoid developing tolerance where you feel a need to increase the dosage. With benzo meds the lower the dose and frequency of dose is best.

[Biddy47 in reply to ChicagoGirl1961]

Thanks for that Chicago, I take it only when absolutely necessary as Dr. prescribed. I am very mindful of getting addicted, it has been prescribed for a short time and my GP sees me every two weeks. I'm reluctant to start taking anything which needs to be taken for a longer period of time, like antidepressants. Thanks again.

[Debbiesue63]

I take Alprozolam (xanax), which is a lot like diazepam. It does not make me feel spaced out. It does help take the edge off my anxiety and helps avoid a panic attack.

I always take the least possible dose necessary to achieve the effect I need. You do need to be careful of dependence.

One issue I do have with it is the fact that it makes me sleepy a few hours after taking it - not necessarily a desired side effect for me.