Diazepam for Anxiety User Reviews (Page 3)

• TLed
• March 6, 2016

Valium (diazepam) "I currently take this medication to stay calm. I have bad anxiety due to some PTSD-related issues. I've tried them all from Ativan to Xanax, and this medication works well. I currently take a generic brand. The brand is TEVA. I did not like the Mylan brand, for it was chalky and weak. TEVA is a great generic Valium and it helps very well for people struggling with anxiety disorder. I hope this helps somebody."

• Lolly
• Taken for 5 to 10 years
• December 30, 2019

Valium (diazepam) "I have been suffering with Bipolar, Severe Depression & Severe Anxiety for many years now & have been put on & tried many different drugs by doctors BUT the only thing that works is Valium & I take up to three 5 mg per day & I feel so good. I can function, I am way more productive & I actually get out & talk to people which is normally a no-no for me. I also get a great appetite which I don't have if I don't take any. I was under a great psychiatrist for many years until he retired. I then had to move to the country where it was extremely hard to even find a GP but I finally did. I have had to go private & he has put me onto a barrage of new doctors to see in the New Year who are all private as well so I am stressed about paying for all of these at the moment & getting the new GP to give me any Valium is like asking for his kidney but on 2 rare occasions he has given ten 10 mg Temazepams which did help but I had to stretch them out."

• Wischo
• Taken for 10 years or more
• May 9, 2022

Valium (diazepam) "Been taking Valium now since 1976 for severe anxiety, and it has been a lifesaver for me. I was on 20mg daily but reduced to 10mg daily over 2 years, tried reducing to 7.5mg but anxiety kicked in again, so reckon 10mg is my best option. I have never had any adverse effects, and at 71 years old, can see no reason to try and stop this drug. I too despise the scumbags that sell and abuse this medication and also the new breed of doctors that insist on weaning you off a lifetime lifesaver. Take note, doctors, that these drugs do not affect my driving ability or my mental ability, and leave what your own doctors prescribed over 40 years ago alone."

• JohnTPH
• December 16, 2018

"This medication has made my life possible. Why oh why do GPs have an issue with it? I have tried SSRIs and Propranolol; neither do anything to make me function as ‘me’. This isn’t a dialogue-oriented site, but if something is making one’s life great, why oh why do old-fashioned GPs try to change medication? Why treat me like a criminal?"

• Mr J
• Taken for 2 to 5 years
• March 29, 2015

Valium (diazepam) "I have been taking Valium every day for 5 years for anxiety and muscle spasms. Good to kill 2 birds with one stone. I take a relatively microscopic dose of 2.5mg/day, and after 5 years, I have probably built up a tolerance to it so that this tiny dose has no physiological effect anymore. But even if I'm now getting the placebo effect from it, I don't care. I don't have panic attacks anymore and that's all I really care about."

• Chris
• December 15, 2016

Valium (diazepam) "To anyone scared of taking this infamous drug (which I was) - you won't lose your sobriety, it just slows down your brain. This means it's great for situations where you risk creating phobia instead of familiarity (new places, new people). I'm armed with all the tools I need for knowing what my body and brain need as things happen (self-reassurance, gratitude, understanding, catching my own cogs before they turn, time out, etc) but you can't always choose when sensory overload will happen. As a pre-emptive measure, this will be a useful tool for me when I know things'll be too handle even with an arsenal of knowledge to tackle the triggers."

• Mikey...
• Taken for 10 years or more
• July 6, 2012

Valium (diazepam) "This is the best anti-anxiety medicine there is. It doesn't leave you with more anxiety if you don't take your next dose due to the long half-life. Xanax and Ativan, for example, have short half-lives so you feel terrible in a few hours. Stick to good old-fashioned Valium for anxiety."

• Sklawz
• Taken for 5 to 10 years
• September 23, 2019

"Best treatment for panic attacks out there, in a time-tested medication. Recently been found to be closest to the body's natural neurotransmitters compared to other benzos. You can get addicted to any drug. I've tried many antidepressants. Bad side effects. Terrible side effects. Look at risperdal. If I have a headache, I take some Tylenol or Motrin and 9 times out of 10, my headache goes away. I can't take any drug that might take 2 weeks or longer to start working. Maybe. If I'm having a panic attack, I can't wait 2 weeks. I need something that works quickly. And if I have a seizure, I don't wanna wait weeks for that either. I consider this drug like my insulin. I was diagnosed with severe anxiety disorder among other things, and I have had seizures before. Valium works best for me. 5mg in the morning, and I am productive and fine for 8 to 10 hours. This medication has been a lifesaver for me for a long time. I do not believe it deserves the bad reputation it has for being SO addictive."

• Jenny
• Taken for less than 1 month
• October 29, 2023

Valium (diazepam) "Our 31-year-old daughter died tragically in 2021 during the height of the pandemic. Despite having had a high-level, high-stress job (retired now), I NEVER suffered from anxiety. When she died, I could not function. My poor husband… suffering his own grief and dealing with my debilitating anxiety. I bless my psychiatrist for being willing to try many benzos, but finally taking my suggestion and putting me on Valium. I have tried most other benzos with very limited success. I only take 5 mg PRN (not every day, just when my grief-ridden anxiety gets the best of me). He prescribed up to 2 a day which I RARELY take. I stay busy, eat healthy, exercise, meditate, and devotedly go to weekly therapy, but this medication finally saved me. I have had zero side effects. Knowing it is there for me when the going gets tough has made all the difference."

• Anonymous
• Taken for 1 to 2 years
• March 29, 2023

Valium (diazepam) "Valium is the only prescription medication I will ever take and only when needed (mostly only half a tab). It works wonderfully well - no bad side effects either. I think the fact that it has been around for such a long time is a most excellent recommendation."

• Morgan...
• November 30, 2016

Valium (diazepam) "I'm 24 and have PTSD, bipolar, and anxiety disorder. I have recently had the scariest panic attacks, 911 calls, and ER visits. So bad I thought I was dying every night. I took Klonopin, and it didn't help. My doctor prescribed this today, and I haven't felt this relaxed or not in fear in a long time. I'm thankful for this medication. I couldn't handle it anymore. Nothing else has helped."

• Alexa...
• Taken for 5 to 10 years
• August 23, 2015

Valium (diazepam) "My disclaimer is: Valium is highly effective in treating stress and anxiety reactions. It has a wide therapeutic index. It is sometimes overly effective, thus why people abuse it. If you do, I can promise the effects will be life-damaging. When taken responsibly (usually a few times a week as needed), it is safe & a godsend for those crippled with anxiety. I had no side effects."

• peachy
• Taken for 5 to 10 years
• October 23, 2019

"Highly effective & reliable for anxiety & panic with no side effects. I take 5mg as needed, usually once every few days, and have done for years with no addiction or need to increase the dose. This drug has an undeserved bad reputation due to abuse by a minority, which is a shame as it has become harder for people who would benefit to access this valuable tool."

• Jaaaa...
• May 20, 2017

Valium (diazepam) "I take Valium 2mg PRN for panic attacks. I was nervous about using it. I also had this warped idea that I would be labeled a pill head for taking a drug like Valium. I can honestly say that Valium is a lifesaver. The first time I took it, all I could think about was how I regretted not taking it sooner. I can actually live my life now. You have to be careful though. It is very easy to build a tolerance to it. Use the lowest amount you need because you would be surprised how much of a difference 1 mg will make. I have been trying to use it as a tool rather than a crutch. I also have ADD, and Valium helps me fall asleep at night when I feel restless."

• Pleas...
• Taken for 6 months to 1 year
• September 14, 2019

Valium (diazepam) "Valium is a great anti-anxiety medication, but please be aware and take the medication very sparingly, like if you are going out or driving or going to a gig ONE TIME. Whatever you do, DON'T take these pre-emptively and NEVER EVER take these daily. 2.5mg of Valium for once-off anxiety is great. Use it no more than ONE time for ONE month, and you should be fine. I recommend not using Valium for more than two days in a row, otherwise you will get addicted, and Valium is a nightmare to get off of if you are addicted. You will need to slow taper off of it if you have been taking this long-term, and this can take months or years. Check out Benzo Buddies for the horror stories. Don't drink any alcohol whilst taking this either, as both substances potentiate each other, making both stronger. Please, please be careful."

• lil
• Taken for 10 years or more
• July 15, 2022

Valium (diazepam) "I was 20 when I began having severe panic anxiety. I have been taken to ER many many times doctors saying nothing was wrong with me finally a Dr gave me valuim 10 mg 4 times a day to start. I took it for 2 years at that dose then went down to 5mg 3 times a day now after 52 yrs I am at 2 mg as needed. Its been long but it has always helped me - saved my life. It is a terrible problem with panic anxiety thru the years I was tried on other meds but this was the best and no side effects only relief. I will take it till I pass.... I do not feel I was ever addicted because I never used more than told , and my dose never increased. I am grateful to valium"

• Court...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• April 10, 2023

Valium (diazepam) "Several weeks ago I had a huge panic attack and took Valium to calm down but noticed I still had to really talk myself out of the panic attack. The next day I was unusually anxious, so took another, this continued until I realized my anxiety was getting out of hand and started antidepressants. Big mistake. Antidepressants made my anxiety much worse and I still continued taking Valium thinking my anxiety must be so bad that even Valium can't fix it. After two weeks of this, I ended up in the hospital having strange body panic attacks I couldn't stop, like my body was just doing its own thing and releasing adrenalin on its own. I was told to come off both medications and start with another antidepressant. I stopped the antidepressants but continued to take the Valium. I then noticed every time I took it my anxiety would triple and leave me an anxious quivering sleepless mess. Stopped the Valium and now my anxiety is more manageable. Still left with a high heart rate but no more panic attacks."

• Exper...
• October 26, 2013

"I rate diazepam a '10', it's still the best & safest in its class — but only when taken very sparingly. I liken it to a 'fire extinguisher', use only in case of emergency. If you take on a daily schedule (e.g., 3 times a day, every day) then you're making yourself a slave, and you'll be dull-witted & stupid much of the time. Just like reliance on any pill. We owe it to our families, friends, employers and ourselves to be productive, happy and helpful. I have the 5 mg tablets in case of emergency. It acts fast, not too strong. There's no craving for 'another pill' hours or even days later, because it's very long-acting. Be smart. Use only in case of a real emergency and it's the best."

• Annie...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• September 15, 2019

"My GP reluctantly prescribed me 2mg diazepam to help with heightened anxiety due to starting sertraline 50mg. The side effects from sertraline were horrendous and still are at times. I have bad days and suffer the anxiety, sweating, shaking, panic; then I think to myself, why am I doing this to myself? My GP has told me they are very addictive and after this course of 14, he will not give me anymore. They relax me and help the anxiety while waiting for sertraline to kick in, which I have been on for 2 and a half weeks. I'm so scared to be without them. I've even searched the Internet to buy them myself. I only take half of 2mg or a full one when needed. GP should be more sympathetic."

• Greek...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• December 24, 2014

"Called my doctor as I was having serious anxiety attacks and panic attacks, she prescribed me 2mg twice daily. I have suffered with anxiety all my life. The moment I swallowed the first pill, 20 minutes later, I can't even explain how perfect I feel - no anxiety, no panic, calm, and so normal. It's unreal - a serious life saver!"

• Toyot...
• Taken for 5 to 10 years
• December 1, 2016

Valium (diazepam) "I have severe GAD since my teens but it really hit me harder in my early 20s. I had been taking generic Valium for 8 years then got into a psychiatrist. At first, he switched me over to Xanax 1mg 3 times daily, which works for immediate panic attacks but would wear off very quickly. I would wake up first thing in the morning with my heart racing and had to take 1. I told him this and got switched back to my original dose of Valium which lasts all day, 1 and a half 10mg in the morning and the same at night. I no longer had to wake up first thing for my meds, and they pretty much prevent my panic attacks unlike the Xanax. I can function just fine, work with people now that I'm at the right dose, and not be self-conscious. Great medication!"

• Lakalak
• April 28, 2019

"I suffer from generalized anxiety disorder. I was prescribed Valium after attending the emergency department for a panic attack. I take Valium when I feel my anxiety creeping up on me (when my heart rate increases and I have that awful feeling of anxiety in my chest) and when I become overwhelmed to stop a panic attack occurring. I take 2.5mg and find this a great dose for me. I feel calm about 30 minutes after taking it and am able to relax for quite a few hours (if only this feeling came naturally!). Overall, I find Valium very effective. However, I can see why people become addicted. You really do get a sense of calm from Valium. If you can be responsible with it and not abuse the drug then I highly recommend it for those instances where you just need something to calm you down. Also, I have never had any side effects."

• Elect...
• July 1, 2015

Valium (diazepam) "I used to be on Valium back in the 90s when it was easier to get for panic attacks and PTSD, and when the narcotics laws changed, I got off of them because my family doctor wouldn’t give them to me. Panic attacks started happening again when I have a thyroid disorder. Now I’m seeing a psychiatrist to get them again, and they have given me part of my life back. Before seeing a psychiatrist, my doctor tried me on multiple different SSRIs, and none of them worked. SSRIs gave me ED. Valium has only one side effect to me, and that is just being drowsy for an hour or so. Valium is a life-saver."

• Jeff...
• Taken for 10 years or more
• January 14, 2017

"I try to avoid taking Valium and only use it as a last resort if physical techniques (progressive relaxation, breathing control, etc.) don't work. At most, I have never taken more than two 5mg tablets in a day. I find that on an empty stomach, the effects are felt within 10-15 minutes and it certainly calms things down mostly. In my anxiety state, I get a dreadful feeling in the pit of my stomach followed by chest tightness and also the inevitable irrational thoughts, even though I know they are irrational. The Valium seems to smooth it out and there is that calmness which blocks crazy thoughts (claustrophobia is one of them, being trapped, worrying about inconsequential things, playing out what-if scenarios... completely irrational stuff)."

• Monkey
• Taken for 10 years or more
• June 8, 2020

"Unfortunately, I was put on Valium 48 years ago as I was told by my GP I had a nervous stomach. After 3 years, I had an ovarian cyst that burst, so I had the cyst and ovary removed. Heyho, after the operation, I didn't have stomach ache, so I stopped taking Valium. But then I had panic attacks, shakes, and agoraphobia. I went to my GP, who told me you must always take Valium or you will end up in a mental health facility. I have tried on occasions to cut down and stop them. Side effects: shaking, tight band around head, throat, huge weight loss, bedridden. For a long time, I have taken 25mg daily. I wouldn't want anyone to take them regularly, I don't want others to suffer. After having osteoporosis, spine fractures x 3, etc., I have needed opioids, but only had 1 when desperate as I know how addictive they are."