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Dr. Bob is Robert Hsiung, MD,
bob@dr-bob.orgShown: posts 1 to 4 of 4. This is the beginning of the thread.
Posted by Brainbeard on April 3, 2010, at 7:59:51
Of all the meds I ever tried, Valium (diazepam) is perhaps the only one that consistently offers nearly immediate relief from anxiety and despair. Unlike other benzo's, it doesn't give me cognitive debilitation, and it also doesn't seem to screw with my memory (I can remember things I've read while on Valium, to name an example. When I read on Ativan (lorazepam) I have to start all over again when I'm sober). Its sedation paradoxically energizes me, making me care less about all my pathetic little problems in the world. Even my chronic jaw pain shrinks back in agony when faced with Valium.
My question is, though: is it possible to use Valium long term and keep reaping such benefits as described? I know that some folks claim that Valium is a depressant in the long run. Others say that it has a zombifying effect when taken long term. Is there anybody out there who can either dispute or confirm such findings?
Since I still haven't found an effective regimen, and I'm in a lot of stress now due to moving to a house with some asbestos parts (both the world shattering drama of moving and the asbestos problem shake the foundations of my mental sanity), I think it might be wise to just take 5mg of Valium twice a day, purely to survive the coming months. Oh yeah, and then I also got a new job coming up as a call center agent - not a good idea since I have (mild) tinnitus and I quit the very same job last time because I was convinced working with a headset all day worsened my tinnitus.
Perhaps Valium is the only drug that really works for me, although I still consider clomipramine, standalone or combined with an SSRI.
So, Valium long(er) term - does it work or not?
Posted by Phillipa on April 3, 2010, at 11:01:41
In reply to Valium - Does It Hold Out In The Long Run?, posted by Brainbeard on April 3, 2010, at 7:59:51
Seriously 40 years since first was given valium when wasn't considered addictive or hard to get. Started with 5mg three times a day and miltown 400 I think. It worked well and about two years later just stopped miltown and no withdrawal no nothing just didn't need it. As the years went up less sometimes and the ativan out took for awhile it was okay, then xanax out and took it till about 6 yesrs ago 2mg total a day. Then it made me tires so tried the valium again and it worked fine for a few years at 15mg all at night. Now on l.5xanax and 2.5 valium but don't get that relaxing feeling. I've determined it's my mind set more than anything else that determines my anxiety level not the meds. And it's not good at the moment. For me benzos are the only meds that have worked for years for me. Phillipa
Posted by Frustratedmama on April 3, 2010, at 13:01:27
In reply to Valium - Does It Hold Out In The Long Run?, posted by Brainbeard on April 3, 2010, at 7:59:51
I am still taking a very low dose of Librium (just 5 mg) 1-2 times a day and it is effective- Been years....I also respond to Valium but Librium is weak enough that I don't have ANY side effects....Valium at 2 mg is also very effective for me but I could kind of "feel" it and didn't want to start to "like" it too much which is why I switched to Librium- but yes long term use if used as prescribed should be effective for you. At times of great stress I have called the pdoc and increased my dose temporarily until I tweaked the antidepressant enough to lower the Librium...this was done without any withdrawals..... :)
Posted by manic666 on April 3, 2010, at 13:36:00
In reply to Re: Valium - Does It Hold Out In The Long Run? » Brainbeard, posted by Frustratedmama on April 3, 2010, at 13:01:27
when the docs reolised i was on 10mg of ativan they tried to wean me with valium, an gave me 20mg a day//i had a stash of ativan so i just added the valium to it//an waited from my trip to the moon???????nothing ,never even touched me what a let down//then they sussed me a stopped all the ativan , well documented on babble///but what i want to say as i went into convultions with withdrawl i was given 40mg of valium at a time //an it did not even register//i get more buzz out of 800mg ibruferen than valium.
This is the end of the thread.
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