Diazepam and Anxiety: What Users Say (Page 2)

• Rob...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• July 3, 2021

For Anxiety "At first: Good sleep... later... ok sleep... later... not much sleep... later... insomnia... Helps with anxiety, feeling fine... later... it's less helpful... later... even less now... later... no help at all. What's left now: Anxiety, insomnia, tremors, panic attacks, fatigue/tiredness, inability to resolve simple tasks, unable to concentrate, gain weight, agoraphobia, social anxiety, health anxiety, and so on... tolerance to it is the worst thing that happened to me. Withdrawal: painful and long. In the end: it helps to not help me at all, it helps me to feel much worse than I was before. It lies, it's a false and dangerous pill. Wish I never had been prescribed to it... Stay away from this nightmare..."

• Sul...
• May 2, 2020

For Anxiety "Teva diazepam doesn't work. Teva took over the diazepam market, it doesn't work. My headaches, anxiety attacks, and panic attacks are back. It is like taking nothing, and an ingredient that makes me sick. I feel like suing, no active ingredient in it. I can prove that. God, my head hurts, and dizziness will return tomorrow, this I know. I hope the FDA takes this garbage off the market. There are others out there. Maybe I have been taking, but for some reason, the hospital pharmacy, it's like no active ingredient. I miss Mylan, it worked for many years. I haven't slept in 2 days. Now, I have to attempt to see my doctor for a change in medications because of Teva. Now I know why I have been having horrible head pain and panic, not real diazepam. Any brand is better than this. No sleep this month for me, shaking badly. Teva is not diazepam."

• Gar...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• September 26, 2019

For Alcohol Withdrawal "I have some problems with alcohol, mainly because I use it to relax myself, as I have a history of anxiety since being a little kid. When I start to drink, I drink every night quite heavily, then pass out. After a month or so of this, I start to get awful withdrawal during the daytime with symptoms like depression, bad anxiety, depersonalization, panic, sweating, and really fast heart rate. Just awful symptoms, which my doctor said is alcohol withdrawal, so he's put me on 5 mg of diazepam 3x a day, and it's been great, not felt the need to drink alcohol. I do realize I'm basically swapping one substance for another, but I plan to not take anything soon. Good luck, anxiety is a real pain, you're not alone."

• DDD...
• Taken for 2 to 5 years
• November 20, 2021

For Anxiety "I was prescribed this 3 years ago after struggling my whole life with debilitating anxiety, depression, insomnia, and intrusive thoughts. I'd regularly have to go to the hospital for IBS-type symptoms due to the anxiety manifesting itself as a physical illness. I was unable to meet friends or socialize without feeling terrified. I was unable to hold down a job. Finally, a doctor prescribed me this. Within a month of taking up to 15 mg a day spread over 3 doses, my life improved drastically. I did not take it every day and rarely took the full 15 mg, usually just taking 5 mg before work. I was finally able to function and received praise from employers who offered me work contracts and higher pay. In 3 years, I never abused the drug or developed a tolerance. I was also able to have a functioning social life for the first time ever. 2 months ago, I had to change GP. They have now ruined my life by suddenly taking me off my medication. Nobody will listen. My life has become a living nightmare."

• Jay...
• Taken for 6 months to 1 year
• July 18, 2019

For Anxiety "They are really good for calming me down. I don’t take them every day, just when I feel really bad anxiety. They are good at that, but on the days I don’t take them, my anxiety seems worse. But I refuse to take them unless I really do need them. Helps with pain I get in my feet and lower back. Helps with the spasms. I can’t rate this drug high enough, although I imagine when I don't take them, I feel lousy."

• nic...
• Taken for 10 years or more
• February 16, 2016

For Anxiety "Unless you are using this as a one-off, say for a flight or dental work, do not touch it! Docs may warn it is addictive, but they won't tell you that with long-term use you can actually go into withdrawal while still maintaining the same dose. I have been on it for 17 years, and it's ruined my life. Anxiety is worse, and I have developed severe agoraphobia and depression. I did my research since the doctors are no help, and these are common effects of long-term use. No one warned me, and now I face withdrawing, which is complicated and painful in itself, but the only way I stand a chance of recovery. It will take a very long time, though. The drowsiness was awful, that wore off, but I am so unsteady on my feet that it amplifies my anxiety."

• nic...
• Taken for 10 years or more
• February 16, 2016

For Anxiety "Unless you are using this as a one-off, say for a flight or dental work, do not touch it! Docs may warn it is addictive, but they won't tell you that with long-term use you can actually go into withdrawal while still maintaining the same dose. I have been on it for 17 years, and it's ruined my life. Anxiety is worse, and I have developed severe agoraphobia and depression. I did my research since the doctors are no help, and these are common effects of long-term use. No one warned me, and now I face withdrawing, which is complicated and painful in itself, but the only way I stand a chance of recovery. It will take a very long time, though. The drowsiness was awful, that wore off, but I am so unsteady on my feet that it amplifies my anxiety."

• X-B...
• March 16, 2008

Diazepam "I have found this drug also acts as a muscle relaxant and aids in the pain relief effectiveness of Vicodin, OxyContin in 2.5-5 mg dose, reducing the frequency of increasing the dose of these pain relievers due to developing a tolerance to these narcotic drugs in long-term chronic pain illnesses such as mine. This drug also reduces the stress and fatigue associated with my illness and would most likely work well for other long-term chronic pain illnesses such as fibromyalgia."

• Anonymous
• November 14, 2012

For Anxiety "Helped me through the worst feeling in my life. Up until that time, I never thought that my body was capable of those horrible feelings or emotions. Feelings of fear and dread, of not knowing how to fix it, until eventually, a very understanding doctor prescribed me diazepam. They gave me hope, they gave me the confidence I needed to fight back from this awful place I was in. I lost weight and weighed only 5 stone, 10 pounds because I just couldn't eat, but diazepam allowed me to start eating again. I did recover, but the experience has left me with anxiety, which is now 15 years ago. I struggle every single day, and doctors at my surgery are anti-diazepam. I get so scared that my anxiety will get so bad again without them."

• Mis...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• October 10, 2014

Diazepam for Anxiety "I was given a sample pack, but it has the opposite effects for me, as I had an increase in fear of danger and worrying. I was extremely focused and unable to sleep. My doctor has had me test a few anti-anxiety meds-Ativan, antidepressants-and the only one that works for me is Xanax at a low dose. I would make sure you consult your doctor first on this one."

• Ano...
• Taken for 10 years or more
• January 6, 2016

For Night Terrors "Without 5 mg of Valium shortly before bedtime, I awake in 20 minutes to two hours with an anxiety attack that keeps me up and yet unable to concentrate enough to read or even watch TV. With 5 mg of Valium, I sleep through the night! I've taken it before bed for 10 years now. I've taken it once in the daytime three or four times a year (before a speech or flying), but otherwise have never gotten any kick out of it or craved it."

• Tin...
• Taken for 10 years or more
• January 15, 2019

For Anxiety "I have been on diazepam for 15 years, and I am now going through hell. I'm on 14 mg a day, and they are killing me slowly, making my anxiety a million times worse. I have irritable, aggressive moods, shaking, chest pains, vomiting, numb, restless feet, the most painful experience of my life. I am going insane. DO NOT TOUCH THESE DRUGS."

• nam...
• Taken for 2 to 5 years
• February 6, 2018

For Anxiety "At first, this medication saved my life (literally), but as time went on, things slowly but surely started to get worse: feelings of unreality, sometimes severe insomnia, increased anxiety, and actually led to feelings of depression. I started off at 5 mg for one year, then a year later 10 mg, and now, in my third year taking this medication, I am now on 15 mg, as you can see, going up 5 mg each year. What I wasn't told before I took this medication is how addictive it was, and as an ex-drug addict, they still gave me this medication. I am only 25, but this medication has ruined my life. It is okay for very short periods, but do NOT take it long-term. If you want my advice, it is do NOT take this medication, it will ruin your life."

• DEe...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• July 7, 2022

For Night Terrors "I’ve been on this diazepam for a few months for anxiety. Can’t remember the dose offhand. I have chest pains from stress, anxiety, and nightmares. I didn’t notice any nightmares. It definitely helps with chest pains and anxiety, oh, and when I’m shaking from the stuff I just listed, I take prazosin 1 mg for nightmares, it works amazingly. I like it better than the low-dose clonazepam. Hey, everyone is different, so I wish the best of luck. I give it a solid 10."

• Ben...
• Taken for 2 to 5 years
• October 31, 2017

For Anxiety "Don't make the mistake so many others do by taking this horrible drug. You will get relief initially, but make no mistake about it, this is really addictive, and before you know it, you will hit tolerance and will need to take more to continue feeling OK. However, you may get to the point where it actually makes you feel horrible, waking up every morning with extreme anxiety and hopelessness. I've been off all benzos for 9 weeks now, and I'm finally starting to feel normal. Before trying this med, do your research, and you'll find out how many poor souls are out there suffering every day with very little relief."

• L M...
• Taken for 10 years or more
• August 20, 2017

For Muscle Spasm "I am on diazepam to treat Stiff Person's Syndrome and related anxiety symptoms: fear of heights, open spaces. Anxiety, stress, and loneliness are increasing, though muscle spasms and stiffening attacks no longer occur."

• L M...
• Taken for 10 years or more
• August 20, 2017

For Muscle Spasm "I am on diazepam to treat Stiff Person's Syndrome and related anxiety symptoms: fear of heights, open spaces. Anxiety, stress, and loneliness are increasing, though muscle spasms and stiffening attacks no longer occur."

• Cla...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• August 19, 2021

For Anxiety "Have been menopausal for two years, consequently, been prescribed HRT. I'm not sure if the HRT has helped, other than control hot flushes and joint pain. However, the depression and the anxiety I have been experiencing have made me feel suicidal daily. I've just been prescribed diazepam 2 mg daily for 28 days, and the difference in my emotional well-being is night and day. I want to stay on this drug for the rest of my life, and if I can't get a repeat prescription, then I'm afraid of the consequences. This drug works for me, it always has done. I don't have an addictive nature, and I won't tamper with the dosage, I just want to feel normal so that I can function better as a wife, mother, sister, daughter, and friend. Without this drug, it will be a struggle to survive."

• Dia...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• August 24, 2018

For Anxiety "My psychiatrist prescribed Valium 5 mg 3x a day for anxiety. I didn’t tell him I had anxiety, he told me I did! I had said it was depression. I never really felt anxious but took it thinking he must know what he’s doing. Well, that was the beginning of the worst experience I’ve ever had. I took it as directed, and within a week, I started having horrible anxiety! Never did I ever have this feeling before. It was sheer panic and extreme agitation. It was especially bad between doses, but even when taken, it did little to stop it. I literally was in hell. How could Valium cause me severe anxiety?? Well, I learned it was a paradoxical reaction. My doctor brushed it off, and I ended up inpatient at a hospital for 2 weeks! They gave me muscle relaxers and Neurontin to try to calm me down. Then they gave me Seroquel, which made me a virtual zombie. These meds, starting with the careless actions of a so-called doctor, destroyed my life for months and put me and my husband through hell."

• Cya...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• November 2, 2021

Diazepam for Anxiety "This drug was rubbish. They gave me this in the hospital today after telling me they gave me Ativan but gave me this garbage instead. It calmed my anxiety down, yeah, but I started feeling insanely sleepy, detached from reality, angry, and not like myself. This was my very first time taking it, won’t take it ever again. Ativan is the BEST benzodiazepine out there, hands down never disappoints me. I was acting all weird, paranoid, saying weird things, and MORE anxious. I took an Ativan for that several hours later, I much prefer that drug over anything else. Never again 2/10."

• Cya...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• November 2, 2021

Diazepam for Anxiety "This drug was rubbish. They gave me this in the hospital today after telling me they gave me Ativan but gave me this garbage instead. It calmed my anxiety down, yeah, but I started feeling insanely sleepy, detached from reality, angry, and not like myself. This was my very first time taking it, won’t take it ever again. Ativan is the BEST benzodiazepine out there, hands down never disappoints me. I was acting all weird, paranoid, saying weird things, and MORE anxious. I took an Ativan for that several hours later, I much prefer that drug over anything else. Never again 2/10."

• Anonymous
• October 21, 2009

For Anxiety "I have been dealing with a high-conflict court battle on and off for 8 years. Two years ago, I went to my doctor because the stress was getting so bad my hair started falling out (adrenals depleted, onto hypothyroidism - what a mess). He put me on Zoloft, which I only stayed on until I could go off. I wasn't depressed, I was panicked, anxiety attacks, palpitations, etc. I have no idea why he put me on Zoloft instead of Valium. Well, we started our next round of court battles since I guess the ex isn't done annihilating me yet, and same thing, panic, irritability, unable to think straight, thoughts swirling. A friend gave me a few 10 mg Valiums, and I couldn't believe how much they helped. I could actually THINK without freaking out! Awesome."

• Jib...
• Taken for 2 to 5 years
• August 31, 2016

For Anxiety "I've been on diazepam for years. At first, I thought it was the wonder drug. It worked quickly, and the relief was amazing. I suffered from anxiety, panic attacks, and generalized depression for years prior. But then the wonder drug stopped working - just like that, immediately - all the benefits I came to trust disappeared. I was left in the same state as before taking it. I should mention that the med stopped working after only a very brief period, perhaps months. However, my doctor continues to prescribe it; why, I don't know. I rarely take it anymore, but when I do, hoping for the same relief I initially felt - nothing! Only advice I can offer is: if it works for you, great, BUT don't think it is the cure, at least not long term."

• Ank...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• May 17, 2023

For Anxiety "I experienced anxiety for an entire week, and I couldn’t sleep due to anxiety and insomnia. I used to sleep two hours a night, and in the two hours, I feel my brain is still working and not shutting off. I decided to take diazepam to help me sleep 8 to 12 hours, as I heard of its duration of action. However, the drug did not help me, and I only slept five hours and struggled to get to sleep for about two hours."

• X A...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• January 15, 2021

Diazepam for Anxiety "Before I got my wisdom teeth removed, the surgeon prescribed me Valium, so that I’d be relaxed during the procedure. Instead of making me relaxed, it made me extremely anxious and upset, to the point where I could not stop crying despite not being worried at all before taking the Valium. They also gave me laughing gas, which did not help. I was awake and able to remember all of the surgery, though I did blank out for a couple of seconds when they gave me Benadryl through an IV after removing the first 3 teeth. After receiving the Benadryl, I started to feel calm again. But being able to remember the entire procedure is not a fun memory."