Diazepam and Dizziness: What Users Say

• hol...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• July 10, 2024

For Anxiety "As a 19-year-old young man, ever since I was 12, I have been having panic attacks and anxiety episodes that would last hours and make me feel like my chest was imploding, causing dizziness, full-body sweating, shaking, etc. I was hospitalized for panic attacks a few times, thinking I was dying. My schooling took a nosedive as anxiety destroyed my functioning, and I dropped out of school. I was tried on hydroxyzine, which did not work. I was tried on sertraline, which did work for my depression and maybe some social anxiety, but not my panic attacks. I lost hope and stopped visiting doctors. Eventually, I got referred to a psychiatrist. I was tried on Buspar with no success, propranolol with some success with physical symptoms, Ativan, which did not last long enough and made me dizzy, and finally Valium, which was perfect. I only take it as needed, and I have now finally graduated and applied for college. I don't like having to take anything habit-forming, but it literally saved my life."

• Mel...
• February 23, 2016

Diazepam for Anxiety "Used for 17 years, worked well at first but needed increased doses as I became tolerant. Held the same dose for the past 7 years then suddenly became acutely anxious and agoraphobic, dose was increased again but the only result was awful unsteadiness on my feet. Finally, I was told that some people get withdrawal symptoms even while taking the same dose, and it seems that is the problem I have. Never been this ill in my life and now I face having to taper off it which scares me. My experience and opinion is it was fine short term but long term caused me more problems than it ever solved."

• jhu...
• Taken for 10 years or more
• April 24, 2015

Diazepam for Anxiety "I have been taking Valium for 15 years for sleep and anxiety, 15-30mg. This drug has worked well through the years but I have begun to notice memory and balance issues, so I decided to get off of it. The first time, I quickly tapered off and one night, I awoke to a racing heartbeat, tremors, and an intense feeling like my head, face, and back were on fire. I had to go back on because of this. Now I'm doing a slow taper, so far, I have gone from 15mg to 7.5mg over 4 months. Going from 15-10mg was easy, but going under 10mg has been very difficult at times. For years I was very positive about this drug, but I do not think you should take it for more than a month unless you absolutely have to. Just be careful, as withdrawals can be severe."

• Tma...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• July 12, 2016

Diazepam for Anxiety "I am a newbie to Valium. Just took my first dose today, 10 mg. The doctor prescribed it for the acute anxiety attacks I have once in a while. I have generalized anxiety disorder mixed with bipolar disorder. I take Pristiq for the anxiety, and it has helped, but it doesn't cover everything. When I'm anxious, I cannot go outside and become bedridden. I am also on 70 mg of Vyvanse for ADD, and it took the doctor some time to be convinced of the benefits of taking a benzo. You know, the whole upper/downer concern. I took my Valium in the evening when the Vyvanse was wearing off. It worked wonders. It kicked in 15 minutes upon taking it. The only side effect is that I feel a little wobbly when standing. But the fact that I am calm makes up for it."

• Mic...
• August 5, 2016

For Meniere's Disease "If I take diazepam immediately when I start getting dizzy, it usually takes away all dizziness and I am okay. If I wake up and I am dizzy or if I'm dizzy for an extended period of time before taking diazepam, the diazepam works for a few hours, but the dizziness comes back. I do get sleepy with the medication because I don't take it very frequently, but I am able to work while taking it unless I have to take multiple doses, and then I am extremely groggy. My dosage is 5 mg every 6 hours. This medication has been extremely helpful in treating my dizziness."

• Sle...
• August 14, 2015

For Meniere's Disease "I have been on Valium for 2 days, and what a difference a day makes! I have been suffering from lower back pain and neck pain radiating through my face and brain. I started to get anxious and panic attacks in the last 2 months. I blamed that on stress and pain. Then I started having symptoms of vertigo. My primary care physician tried a typical drug, it helped very little. Then he prescribed Valium after hesitating for the vertigo, and I feel like a different person already. I am more relaxed, less pain, and no dizziness so far, just a little wobbly the first hour... I hope it works for the long run!"

• Pab...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• January 21, 2018

For Meniere's Disease "I have had Meniere’s disease for 10 years. In the past, attacks would occur once or twice a year, and I was non-functional for 2 hours. Periodically, I might have several minor attacks. Meclizine never helped, but diazepam 5 mg prevents the sweating, nausea, and dizziness and works rapidly. It has made a huge difference in my quality of life."

• 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."

• Lil...
• Taken for 5 to 10 years
• November 26, 2024

Diazepam for Seizures "Have SPMS, which started to cause two types of seizures. I also had muscle spasms. Was on Diazepam 5 mg 2X a day for the seizure 'auras'. The simple seizures or focal awareness I still have, but the complex partials have stopped. Was also on Baclofen for the muscle spasms many years. As M.S. progressed, the Baclofen caused acute vertigo. The medication of Valium (Diazepam) was upped to 5 mg 3X a day, as it is also a muscle relaxer. I have been on this medication for years. Not the normal med for seizures, but has no side effects that have ever bothered me."

• Lil...
• Taken for 10 years or more
• March 13, 2025

For Seizures "The neurologist put me on diazepam 5 mg. Started at 2.5 mg, but M.S. over the years added to what it threw at me. I had muscle spasms, severe vertigo, and seizures. Two different types. Was on baclofen but had to eventually stop that drug. She increased the diazepam to 5 mg, 3 times a day for 3 conditions since it is a muscle relaxant. I have been on diazepam for many years. It is not the drug of choice for epilepsy, but it works. Since it is used for all 3 conditions, why I ended up with taking 3 5 mg, 3 times a day. Sometimes I can take 2 if things are bad. Some days I don't take any at all. This medication is the best without all the side effects. I do presume it causes constipation issues, but then again, M.S. causes a lot of issues."

• 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."

• Dia...
• February 13, 2018

For Anxiety "As I have really strong anxiety disorder, I find it perfect for anxiety. I only take 2.5 mg when needed for anxiety/panic attacks, and it works within 20 minutes. It doesn't make me dizzy at all, it even makes my mind more clear."

• Dis...
• Taken for 10 years or more
• August 22, 2018

For Meniere's Disease "I suffered with the worst vertigo for a couple of years till the doctor gave me Valium. It worked wonders. I was fine as long as I took three 5 mg tablets every day. In the process of switching doctors, I went without all my prescriptions for two months. I've been taking Atarax for my allergies for 17 years, which happens to be the same 17 years I've had Meniere's. I'm 98% convinced my Meniere's is allergy medicine-induced. If I'm wrong, I will HAVE to find a doctor to prescribe Valium."

• Cla...
• August 30, 2021

Diazepam for Alcohol Withdrawal "I’ve struggled with alcohol addiction for years, as it progressed to 750 ml of hard liquor a day. I tried stopping and got shakes, sweating, palpitations, dizziness, tingly hands, and feet. So far, I’m on 5 mg Valium 2x daily, and no withdrawal symptoms! Definitely tired, in a I worked all day kinda way, even if I didn’t."

• Dar...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• November 2, 2021

For Anxiety "Diazepam is a miracle drug for anxiety, it calms you down and gives you a feeling of just being able to cope in society again. You will feel dizzy and have minor headaches at times, but bear with it and the side effects will go. I take 2mg in the morning for morning anxiety and 2mg at night for sleep/relaxing after a busy day. It has helped me cope with anxiety, worry, and stress."

• RJa...
• Taken for 10 years or more
• March 20, 2018

For Seizure Prevention "I have had crippling seizures my whole life! They have stuck with me and been a curse, as they happen at random. I will become dizzy, fall to the floor, and start convulsing uncontrollably. Sometimes they have precursors, like my body starts to twitch and shake, and I get dizzy. I know to lay down at this point and to take my medication. Throughout my 30 years of going through this, Valium has been the only medication that has ever prevented the seizures and kept my seizures at bay."

• Frg...
• Taken for 2 to 5 years
• June 25, 2024

"I was very busy the other morning. I forgot my morning dose! Then I took a nap in the afternoon and forgot my afternoon dose! Any other benzo I have taken I would have woken up sweating and shaking. Time for the PM... My weekly pill case shows I have not taken my meds! Uh oh! I barely noticed. I felt a little dizzy, but it was a hot day. Took my PM dose with a little extra. No problems the next day. Any other benzo I have taken, I would have been sweating, shaking, having bad WDs within 12 hours. I missed 12 hours and said oops! Diazepam is for a final taper. The half-life is very long. I am a long-time user, no problems missing two TID doses. My benzo of choice."

• bs8...
• Taken for 2 to 5 years
• March 1, 2023

"I got prescribed diazepam 5 mg by a neurologist to treat my migraines, and it was the only medication that (surprisingly) worked. Side effect is dizziness - after 2 h I feel extremely sleepy. If I resist, the dizziness goes away. If I sleep the night after taking it, I am very sleepy the day after."

• Tra...
• Taken for 2 to 5 years
• June 12, 2024

"I take 60mg of Diazepam daily. I used to take 4mg of Clonazepam. I am tolerant but stable. I have chronic diarrhea. I barely sleep and high adrenaline causes the issue. I have already done blood work, contrast CT scan, scope/biopsy. Nothing but inflammation from using the toilet too frequently. Trying all OTC meds I can. Nothing that coats insides. I tried Loperamide, good for 2 weeks. I drank lots of water. Loperamide is a 1st pass metabolism reducer. I started having withdrawals after 1 week. I thought I was sick. Week 2 I knew I was not absorbing properly. My hands shook and I was dizzy with hot flashes. I stopped Loperamide. I had to take an extra 10mg for a day. After 3 days the Loperamide is gone and I am fine. Sublingual was not enough. Diazepam interacts with so many things. Be careful. I still need/want Diazepam for my mental issues. Would I ever sleep?"