I have absolutely no results from this medication anymore. I have problems with my brain just running way to hard, always running, thinking about anything and everything considered stressful in life. Diazepam doesn't really help. It seems to really do absolutely nothing at all. I have learned to deal with it and manage it for the most part. So I stopped taking it but if something more stressful than normal arises than I sometimes I end up having the same problem for a longer than normal period. Also for some period of time it seems unbareable. I also kind of get obsessed with odd things. All I am really concerned with is the panic attack type periods that are temporary. Any recommendations?
Diazepam has no effect for me. Why?
Question posted by BigD97203 on 19 Aug 2011
Last updated on 11 October 2022
Added 16 Sep 2011:
My doctor did change me to xanax and it helps a whole lot. I do still have a question though. I am taking 1mg as needed 2 times daily for anxiety but only was prescribed 10 with 2 refills and really the only time I need it desperately is when I have severe stress. However the problem I started taking diazepam for was anxiety and more specifically to get my brain to stop at night. I spend at least 1 hour at night thinking about anything and everything. I did try taking a xanax before bed and it was a godsend and for the first time in my life I felt relaxed before bed. I don't know if I should be taking the one to help me shut down at night or if that would be considered inappropriate. I was told my doctor specifically that I have quit diazepam because it doesn't help, I said and he knows I have always had a huge issue shutting down at night and I have basically learned to deal with it and I asked for something more geared toward when I have severe anxiety and stress. He said I have been taking diazepam for a long time and he feels it would be appropriate to to take xanax. He issued it 1-2 tabs per day as needed but only gave me 10 with 2 refills. I am not sure if he is thinking that maybe I would end up using it to shut down at night and made sure I can refill if I need or if he only wants me to take them if I am having a panic attack. I would just like to know what everyone thinks. I don't want to take it to go to sleep every single night however approximately every other night plus 5 a month would be enough for me. What amount can I take and avoid ever being fully addicted to them? Is it appropriate to ask to switch to say clonazapam or something else that is better than diazepam but just avoid xanax for a month? If so when should I do that?
12 Answers
mitch71680398
11 Oct 2022
Try Seroquel aka Quetiapine
bobsy
11 Oct 2022
Seroquel is a antipsychotic med intended for the treatment of schizophrenia. What you are suggesting is using this med 'off label' to treat anxiety. This med was not intended for that so better check with a doctor. There are other meds besides benzos that can be used as a long term anti*anxiety medicine. If the anxiety happens occassionally then benzos are the appropriate med to use.
Braddersgreeno
12 Nov 2018
They are all benzodiazapines so the chance of addiction is still a great threat to you. Also you should avoid the stronger benzos such as clonazepam, temazepam and Rohypnol as examples. Xanax is pretty strong too - 0.5 mg is equal to about 7mg of diazepam so 1 mg adds up to almost 15 mg of diazepam. Just stop worrying about ways to fix it and just go with it I know it sounds hard. Also I'm not a doctor but study pharmacology and chemistry.
Soul Sista
11 April 2018
I think it depends on the individual and the dose. If feeling overwhelmed stressed and anxious it does help a bit but also with strength of mind where I have to tell myself that I’ve taken it and try to switch off the negative internal dialogue which can be hard! Breathe it out & try to feel present and think of something positive/ to be grateful for. You can build up a tolerance to it & unfortunately is highly addictive so doctors really should try to work with the individual to tackle the root cause but due to funding cuts to mental health services and lack of continuity with workers this is not happening. Unless you have the money to fund your own private counselling service our government is letting us down. I’m talking about the UK here. Making money off the back of pharmaceutical prescriptions is immoral imo. Sorry gone on a bit of a rant.
Also readily available to buy anywhere if not prescribed and I’ve seen it used by people with other drug dependencies such as heroin whereby it gets replaced by methadone as a way of apparently helping people in their recovery. This is bullshit as it is actually more addictive than heroin itself and guess what, prescribed by health services and generates money. Shocking and disgusting tactics. If I need help to sleep then I find that a muscle relaxant orfidal works a treat but only to be taken at bedtime. Apologies for going a bit off topic there
Tms1982
26 Nov 2016
I was prescribed Diazepam from my doctor. I can have severe anxiety attacks to where my heart will race and my arms will feel weak. I feel as though it doesn't really work well for me as it is more of a longer acting drug to prevent it. As I would love to prevent it, in my time of panic, I feel like I need a fast acting solution to help me calm down
kurtruyles10
8 Sep 2012
Get the brand TEVA (It is really BETTER than the name brand..I'd say 10 times, for real. Everyone agrees with me. You can find them at CVS or they will order them for you.
amadeous
1 Jan 2012
Any Benzo you take daily all day long will cause your tolerance to increase fast. I've taken Valium 10mg over 11 years & I found that taking any benzo as needed only won't cause this problem.
BigD97203
16 Sep 2011
Thank you all for your responses. This is a very helpful place and I appreciate that. Please read the update to my question and provide updated advise for me. I thank you all in advance.
David.
UPDATE: My doctor did change me to xanax and it helps a whole lot. I do still have a question though. I am taking 1mg as needed 2 times daily for anxiety but only was prescribed 10 with 2 refills and really the only time I need it desperately is when I have severe stress. However the problem I started taking diazepam for was anxiety and more specifically to get my brain to stop at night. I spend at least 1 hour at night thinking about anything and everything. I did try taking a xanax before bed and it was a godsend and for the first time in my life I felt relaxed before bed. I don't know if I should be taking the one to help me shut down at night or if that would be considered inappropriate.
I was told my doctor specifically that I have quit diazepam because it doesn't help, I said and he knows I have always had a huge issue shutting down at night and I have basically learned to deal with it and I asked for something more geared toward when I have severe anxiety and stress. He said I have been taking diazepam for a long time and he feels it would be appropriate to to take xanax. He issued it 1-2 tabs per day as needed but only gave me 10 with 2 refills. I am not sure if he is thinking that maybe I would end up using it to shut down at night and made sure I can refill if I need or if he only wants me to take them if I am having a panic attack. I would just like to know what everyone thinks. I don't want to take it to go to sleep every single night however approximately every other night plus 5 a month would be enough for me. What amount can I take and avoid ever being fully addicted to them? Is it appropriate to ask to switch to say clonazapam or something else that is better than diazepam but just avoid xanax for a month? If so when should I do that?
Inactive
16 Sep 2011
Hi David,
I am very happy to learn that Xanax helps you sleep and helps with anxiety.
Why fix it if it isn't broken? If the Xan is working why switch to Clons?
I really don't think taking one a night would make you addicted. I could be wrong (it HAS happened before, me being wrong!!) but let's see what other members have to say?
Best wishes to you,
BigD97203
16 Sep 2011
Well its not the taking 1 sometimes that has me worried its taking at least 1 daily that has me wondering if addiction is possible and what can be done to avoid it. Also does it seem my doctor intended for me to be able to take it at night as needed or specifically for anxiety attacks?
THANKS!
skins1970
20 Aug 2011
Hello BigD, i take both diazepam and oxazepam. The oxazepam (serepax ) takes longer to kick in but is definately stronger than valium if u didnt want to jump all the way up to xanax. Any benzo is very addictive and hard to get off so your doctor make prescribe an anti depressant that also helps with anxiety and sleep issues. If the valium no longer works u may want to look into this but with caution. Hope you find a solution that works for you. Are u taking 2.5mg or 5mg of valium? all the best Skins1970
Inactive
19 Aug 2011
Hi BigD,
I must agree with Mary and Billy, give Xanax a try, I would bet that it will help greatly!!
Inactive
19 Aug 2011
As my friend Billy has stated you may need a change in medication or an ajusted dose of your current med. Diazepam & Xanax are in a closs of benzodiazepines, which are central nervous systems (CNS) depressants. I would also suggest you talk to the prescriping doctor about your problem to either up your dose or change it completely. There are literally dozens of choices, & your doctor would know best. Just my thoughts...
caringsonbj
19 Aug 2011
maybe your doctor would consider prescribing a small dose of xanax ( and discontinue the Diazepam) xanax is a benzodiazepine drug and as long as it is taken as prescribed it helps a lot of people especially with symptoms of panic and also with anxiety. I take a small dose, I actually take less than is prescribed but it is a safe and effective drug, there are also other classes of drugs which just having a discussion with your doctor may prove helpful. I wish the you very best and I hope that you find this or another medication that is effective in relieving your symptoms. please
Rajive Goel
19 Aug 2011
Feel sorry for you, how long have you been taking Diazepam? It is possible to get immune to a particular med after taking over a long period of time - e.g. Diazepam.
It is recommended that you seek advice of your doc to either try & adjust the dose or change the med so that you are comfortable.
Please take care, be safe & well, best wishes!
Related topics
Further information
- Diazepam uses and safety info
- Diazepam prescribing info & package insert (for Health Professionals)
- Side effects of Diazepam (detailed)
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