Valium

[R1ch1973]

Had to have a doctor called out yesterday morning as i was having a 12 hour panic attack and anxiety.He came to my house and gave me 6 valiums to take untill i see my doctor wednesday.Ive took 2 so far and they seem to make me calmer although today when i took one i felt a bit of nausea after and took a metoclopramide to try and stop that feeling.

Anybody on valium or ever been on it?

I was thinking of trying to squeeze some out of my doctor on wednesday to use in emergencies(although i know they are very reluctant to prescribe them)

Does anybody who has experience with benzos think that this is a bad idea and not the road to go down? my attks on saturday night/sunday morning where horrendous and very scary as i live alone and i really dont want a repeat of that and having to call out a doctor

[ditchy_jon]

It all depends on how you are going to use them. Diazepam is a very good at treating panic attacks, anxiety etc. However it is up to you how you are going to use them. If you feel that you may become reliant on them, it may be worth finding other methods of trying to stay calm, such as certain relaxation techniques first. However if you feel you will only use them now and again, it may be worth doing have some just in case.

[Skittles04]

valium is the only thing that can prevent a panic attack for me, but i'm really concious of not becoming reliant/addicted. restrict how often you take it, eg; only if you feel a major panic attack coming on. probably a good idea to be seeing a therapist if you do get prescribed valium

[R1ch1973]

Thanks for your replies.You are very helpful

[andee]

I feel the same way...I use ativan, which is similar to valium, and just use it very sparingly and carefully. If you are careful, it really can help with the panic. Talk to your doc about it...he should be able to give you some and you seem to need them so it should be fine.

[daffodil]

I have never taken it, but I agree with the others. If you only take it sparingly, and as prescribed, you should be fine. You may want to look something like an antidepressant, many of which help anxiety.

[emet68]

I think benzodiazepines are great if used properly. I take Ativan and my bottle of 30 has lasted for over a year. I use it when I need to- sometimes 3 days in a row, sometimes once every 2 months. It is excellent for getting you over the "hump" and calming you down.

[MrsFox]

Just wanted to throw in my two cents - I would approach any z-drugs with extreme caution. My experience with them was very short, but not pleasant. I was prescribed zopiclone (a sedative) in December after my Dad suddenly passed away, and my irresponsible GP kept prescribing them, so I got incredibly reliant in a short time (just three weeks I think). Trying to taper off them was a nightmare and caused massive n* - I know this varies per person, but it was awful for me. My Dr then moved me over to Diazepam (Valium) to taper off the zopiclone. It took me a month in total to stop the zopiclone and a further three weeks or so to stop the Valium - again I had withdrawal symptoms but they were nowhere near as distressing as those with zopiclone. I know everyone is different and we all respond differently to medication, the Benzo Buddies forum is a really good source of information.

As far as anxiety-controlling meds go, I've found Propranolol (beta blockers) to be extremely effective in taking the edge off a panic attack and they aren't addictive - I probably take around two a week with no adverse reactions.

Hope this wasn't too doom-filled, I've just heard all manner of benzo horror stories!