I have been taking Valium 10mg (1 and 1/2 in the a.m. & 2 in the afternoon) and Xanax 2mg (2 in the a.m. and 2 in the p.m.) for about 18 years for severe anxiety. I had been under the care of very well known and trusted psychiatrist. Unfortunately, he has retired, I recently lost my job and am currently going to a free clinic for my healthcare. Another unfortunate is this clinic is horrible, and their knowledge of meds is basically based on google.com. I'm hopeful that someone can help me with my question. I have been tapering myself off of both meds successfully (due to the fact that my anxiety isn't as severe). I've been more careful with xanax because I know of the risks involved. I currently now take Valium 10mg (1 in the a.m. and 1 in the afternoon) and Xanax 2mg (1 and 1/2 in the a.m. and 1 in the afternoon). My question is: Because I feel my anxiety levels have dropped, and am trying to taper off I would like to know which medication I should taper off of more - and - which medication out of the two makes you more lethargic and tired? The reason I asked which medication out of the 2 I should take for anxiety is because the nurse I do see does not want me on both benzo's, and I want to know which one is more effective in treating low to medium anxiety. Thank you !
Anonymous Valium vs. Xanax?
- Posted:
- 18 Mar 2012 by Anonymous
- Topics:
- valium, xanax, anxiety, generalized anxiety disorder
Responses (3)
Anonymous 18 Mar 2012
Hi smes1168,
If you have panic attacks I would stick with xanax, but if you get quite tense and do not have actual panic attacks stick with the valium.
Just my opinion, I personally think xanax works better.
You might want to take xanax one day, see how you feel on just that, and switch on another day to valium, see which one works the best for you.
Good luck!
pledge19 Mar 2012
Hello Anonymous. Your choice would be Valuim. It was created to be used as a one or two per day drug.(off labe use is often as a muscle relaxant because of its seditive nature) Unlike Xanax, a type of johnny on the spot, created for panic attacks and moments of severe anxiety. Xanax is the number one abused drug from all the benzodiazepines. Simply because of its fast, quick acting chemistry and its become known as a "quick fix" I have taken both of these drugs and recommend Valium. ( The most perscribed of all the benzodiazepines. Regards, pledge
caringsonbj19 Mar 2012
I have dealt with panic, chronic pain and a recent death of a loved one whom I took care of for a long time. In my opinion from my own experience Valium does not ever help me with panic! I recently developed vertigo that causes episodes of vomiting and extreme dizziness the doctor I go to as you stated knows me well and I would never abuse or misuse any medication the doctor already had me on Xanax the same dose as you and added Antivert at first but to no avail so on a followup visit the doctror started me on Valium 2 mg one 3 times a day for vertigo.
caringsonbj
19 Mar 2012
I just want to add that Pledge is right, I have a distant relative who abuses Xanax, she does well with the long acting but give her the 2mg (bar like tablet) she says that its in and out of your system within about 4 hours so she repeats the dose sooner than she should, I had problems with the doses such as that but I talked with the doctor and was upfront about it and the doctor placed me on the extended release and it works and lasts for me, My Mom who was 94 and passed refused to take it because she had concerns that she might require continuing to take the drug, she developed renal failure so it was probably best that she made the choice not to, I feel sure you know this but safeguard your medications the last thing you need now is for there to be any sort of problem. Be well Caringsonbj (Billy)
smes1168
19 Mar 2012
Thank you caringsonbj for your input to my question, and also for your time and concern. This has been a nightmare for me since my previous psychiatrist retired, and losing my job (therefore at this time I cannot seek a "professional" for help). Your answer to my question was very helpful, and if I ever need to talk I will most definately be in touch. It does help to know that others are out there willing to help with their advice, and you don't feel so alone during times of confusion and frustration. Thank you again and take care !
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Thank you, pledge, for your time in helping me with my question. It is very confusing and frustrating for me especially since I don't have the insurance to see a "professional" psychiatrist to help me get on the right track. I've had severe withdrawals from psych medications I had to stop because I couldn't afford them, and I am so frightened of any type of pysch med withdrawal again (they are absolutely horrible). If I had my choice to do it all over, and knew what I know now I never would have wanted to be on these medications. Nevertheless, I appreciate your helpful input and will take what you wrote into consideration. Take care !