Diazepam and Drowsiness: What Users Say

• Anx...
• Taken for 10 years or more
• April 8, 2014

Diazepam for Anxiety "I've been on just about every benzodiazepine there is, and Valium (diazepam) is all around the best for combating debilitating anxiety symptoms. It may not be the most potent benzo, but it has wide and equal benzo effects, including sedation, muscle relaxation, anxiolytic, anticonvulsant, and can be used for insomnia. Now, the main reason why Valium is the best is its extra-long half-life. Its effects can linger for days, which is helpful if you have chronic anxiety. It also prevents those ups and downs short-acting benzos cause like Xanax and Ativan. Another thing to note is withdrawal from Valium is by far the most mild out of all the benzos. This wonderful medication is an oldie but goodie."

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

Diazepam for Anxiety "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 I 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 adrenaline 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. I stopped the Valium, and now my anxiety is more manageable. Still left with a high heart rate but no more panic attacks."

• Imi...
• Taken for 10 years or more
• December 4, 2024

Diazepam for Anxiety "I've been on Valium (diazepam) for over ten years now, and I would definitely recommend it for panic attacks, PTSD, and phobias. Before the diazepam, I was taking 400 mg of Phenobarbital daily. While I still think the Phenobarbital is stronger and better for panic, it's outdated, and no one will prescribe it for anxiety anymore (along with meprobamate and butalbital). Valium is the best benzodiazepine for me personally. It has a fast onset, especially if I am actively panicked, averaging about 15 minutes to an hour, depending on my mood. It's got a long half-life, so I don't get interdose withdrawal, and I get great coverage. After years of being on 40 mg daily, my new prescriber agreed to 60 mg/day as my PTSD is so bad and I have a tolerance, this has been a game changer, and it's working even better than before. Downsides are you cannot drive while on Valium as it is intoxicating, drowsiness and sedation, physical tolerance and withdrawal, and addiction issues."

• Imi...
• Taken for 10 years or more
• December 4, 2024

Diazepam for Anxiety "I've been on Valium (diazepam) for over ten years now, and I would definitely recommend it for panic attacks, PTSD, and phobias. Before the diazepam, I was taking 400 mg of Phenobarbital daily. While I still think the Phenobarbital is stronger and better for panic, it's outdated, and no one will prescribe it for anxiety anymore (along with meprobamate and butalbital). Valium is the best benzodiazepine for me personally. It has a fast onset, especially if I am actively panicked, averaging about 15 minutes to an hour, depending on my mood. It's got a long half-life, so I don't get interdose withdrawal, and I get great coverage. After years of being on 40 mg daily, my new prescriber agreed to 60 mg/day as my PTSD is so bad and I have a tolerance, this has been a game changer, and it's working even better than before. Downsides are you cannot drive while on Valium as it is intoxicating, drowsiness and sedation, physical tolerance and withdrawal, and addiction issues."

• Bra...
• Taken for 2 to 5 years
• April 15, 2015

Diazepam for Anxiety "Other than drowsiness for about 45 minutes after taking it, great medicine! Works in like 10 minutes, so if I feel a panic attack coming on, I take my dosage and before I know it I'm calm. It enables me to go into mass public places and can go into crowded restaurants with my family. Valium has given me a huge part of my life back. I know most doctors are against it because dope heads have abused this type of drug. You can only get it from a psychiatrist now, but it saved my social life so I see the shrink monthly! Thanks, Valium"

• Ele...
• July 1, 2015

Diazepam for Anxiety "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."

• Anonymous
• February 10, 2012

Diazepam for Anxiety "When I finally got a doctor to prescribe Valium, it was a life-changing start. I always had social anxiety and was very introverted. After being on Valium, I quickly moved up in my company because I could interact and socialize with no fears or anxiety. After a few years, I was in charge of up to 50 workers and always got good feedback from customers and professionals related to our work. I was able to focus and enjoy dealing with many different personalities. The only problem was getting very sleepy while driving."

• Aus...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• July 15, 2016

Diazepam for Anxiety "I can't eat or be around a lot of people without it or Xanax. Xanax is good but doesn't last as long. My mom even said while I was on diazepam, it's good to see a smile on your face! It may make you feel kind of goofy for a couple of days, but after that, it just helps. The sedation subsides as well. A very tolerable medication that really does help. Trust me!"

• Lau...
• December 21, 2018

For Temporomandibular Joint Disorder "12/21/18: I am the lucky winner of Sjögren's disease, TMJ/grinding, trigeminal neuralgia, and 2 whiplash injuries. I'm also an RN, BS - medically retired (aka - disabled). Most people don't know that Valium is a multipurpose drug and that it is also a muscle relaxer. I have been on Valium PRN since 1982 for my first whiplash and then my second in 1991. In the 80s, I developed TMJ, and Valium helped immensely with relieving that pain. In the 90s, I developed TN, and Valium also helped with that agony. As of 1998, I have been on a palliative care regimen (PCR) of round-the-clock morphine for systemic, end-stage, refractory IC. For me, both Valium and morphine have also helped reduce my TN and TMJ pain. For me, neither drug makes me sleepy, groggy, or 'high.' Sadly, due to the 'opioid crisis' fabricated by the CDC in 2016, more and more doctors are refusing to prescribe opiates and benzodiazepines. My quality of life is poor, at best, and without both of these meds, you will find me fully bedridden and in the fetal position."

• Eri...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• October 8, 2021

For Light Sedation "After being the personal caretaker of my wife for longer than a year, I developed an obsessive-compulsive disorder by checking every few hours upon her, 24/7 and at night, which led to insomnia for me now, even after her passing away almost 5 months ago! Well, here I am, Valium makes me sleep, 10 mg. But I am afraid that I will not be capable of going to work this coming Monday! I am drowsy like I never ever was before! I have to work to survive! Anyone had some tips for me? Don't get me wrong, it's a blessing to finally sleep! Valium is the only thing that works for me! Blessings!"

• NoM...
• Taken for 6 months to 1 year
• December 26, 2015

For Muscle Spasm "I'm 20 years old and had a severe sports injury while lifting weights. I tore several muscles in my pelvic area, thigh area, and also developed nerve damage. I'm currently on Oxycodone daily. I also get SEVERE muscle spasms - spasms that feel like huge, tight knots and inflammation. My Pain Management doctor prescribed me 10 mg of Valium three times a day. It's wonderful for my muscle pain and spasms. It calms my body down completely, relieves the tightness, the throbbing, and diminishes my muscle pain. It's very mild yet effective and doesn't make me groggy like other muscle relaxers I've tried."

• ArI...
• December 11, 2011

Diazepam for Anxiety "Valium worked wonders for me when I realized that my anxiety had been making me a shut-in with a low quality of life. Aside from developing an insatiable appetite at first, it seemed like a miracle. For example: I took a Valium before flying and could not find my luggage in baggage claim. Previously, I would have been shaking, crying, and sweating. Instead, I confidently walked over to customer service and learned that my bag will come when the next flight arrives. Self-inflicted meltdown averted. It's long half-life, however, can be a blessing and a curse. It lasts practically all day, but that also means it makes me a bit drowsy and lazy all day as well."

• 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."

• cox...
• Taken for 6 months to 1 year
• July 17, 2015

For Anxiety "Was originally prescribed as a short course to take 2 or 3 daily to get through a really bad patch, but I have found it works better to only take it occasionally when I really need it. Provides pretty fast (within 15 mins to half an hour) yet lasting (up to 3/4 hours) relief of anxiety. Works a treat, it's probably the best thing I've ever taken for anxiety. The only criticism is it can make you feel a bit out of it and slow, but it depends on the dose. I was prescribed 5 mg tablets, and I find that snapping them in half to have 2.5 mg still works but makes me less drowsy. I adjust the dose depending on how severe the anxiety is. It's a good idea to experiment when first prescribed so you know how it affects you."

• Joj...
• July 22, 2016

For Muscle Spasm "I have been taking diazepam 5 mg tablets daily for about 1.5 years, alongside various painkillers dependent on my pain levels, the strongest of which is oramorph. I have a genetic condition called Ehlers-Danlos Syndrome. It presents itself in many ways, but the symptom I'm explaining today is frequent joint dislocation. I dislocate various joints 20-30 times a day, bigger joints, especially hips, require morphine and diazepam. The diazepam works well for the spasm that surrounds the affected joint, meaning I can relocate it easier. The sedation effect goes away after a few days. I've never felt addicted to this med, but I know it is addictive for others. Sometimes I will take 10 mg for a bad dislocation. I highly recommend it if you stick to the dose."

• iti...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• January 11, 2016

For Muscle Spasm "This completely saved me. I tried so many medications for my severe bilateral sciatica, and NOTHING was stopping the horrible pain and cramping. This medication (at about 5 mg) gives me 90-95% relief. It is a complete miracle for me. May have saved my life. My only complaint is that it makes me quite drowsy all the time. I feel as though I am walking through water. Very lethargic. I do curse my so-called medical professionals for not suggesting it for 7 hellish weeks!!!"

• gmc...
• December 17, 2009

Diazepam for Muscle Spasm "The Valium really helped with the spasms from my back, which was stenosis. I took 5 mg in the day and 10 mg at night, and that will make you run for the bed. Beware if taking the 10 mg while you are up because it will knock you out."

• Jun...
• Taken for 10 years or more
• September 10, 2022

For Anxiety "I have been taking 10 mgs of diazepam for the last 15 years. It’s the only thing that helps my panic attacks and helps me sleep. I take 10 mgs in the morning and 10 mgs at night. Without this, I’m a walking panic attack. It’s the only thing that works for me. The Ambien I really didn't. I was so groggy in the morning. Forgetful. This is a Godsend. I can live a normal life."

• Bot...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• September 11, 2017

For Muscle Spasm "I've tried most of the muscle relaxers - Flexeril (cannot tolerate), Skelaxin (unfortunately cannot tolerate), and Robaxin (not quite strong enough) for a tight and unrelenting piriformis. 5 mg of good old-fashioned Valium takes care of it in the evening. Too bad it's sedating, otherwise, it would be my go-to med during the day for this tight muscle - that, despite loads of PT, massage, and stretching, I am unable to get to let go. I really appreciate Valium for this!"

• Sta...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• March 23, 2018

Diazepam for Alcohol Withdrawal "Valium has been a godsend for my benzodiazepine taper. On it a month now as of March 22, 2018. It is very relaxing and mild now, but at first, it was very sedating for the first 5 days. I take 10 mg 2x a day. I am being tapered off of Klonopin after 12 years on that drug. K-pin is hell to get off of alone. Glad my psych doc is open-minded and dropped the K-pin immediately and switched me to Valium after I told him about the Ashton Taper Method and that I wanted off the Klonopin because it was giving me bad withdrawals if I missed a dose. If you are serious about getting off of benzos, I urge you to Google the Ashton Taper Method."

• Sal...
• Taken for 5 to 10 years
• January 26, 2019

For Muscle Spasm "I have burning mouth syndrome. I have had it for 7 years. I was desperate for relief. I was put on amitriptyline, an antidepressant. It did nothing except make me sleep all day and feel sick. I researched the condition and found that some get relief from Klonopin or low dose Valium. My primary at the time was reluctant. I went to a neurologist who agreed. Even the lowest dose Klonopin was too strong, though it did calm the pain. I then tried low dose Valium, 2 mg once or twice a day. It has been a savior. I only take 2 mg per day. It has changed my life."

• Sta...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• May 9, 2016

For Anxiety "I suffer from panic attacks. They occur maybe twice a year. When I do have one, it feels like a heart attack. I have tried Xanax and hated the way it made me feel. Valium, or diazepam, is the only pill that when I am having a panic attack, I take it, within minutes, it calms me down, and I snap right back to normal. I have no side effects, no drowsiness. This is because I take it for extreme emergencies when I truly need it. One time I did take it just to fall asleep, and I did hallucinate and it made me feel drowsy. I never did that again. This pill works for panic attacks. Though mine are rare, I would recommend it to anyone who suffers from them. They are not addicting if you take them the right way."

• Pet...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• January 25, 2022

Diazepam for Anxiety "Works quite well. I took 10 mg and felt drunk and drowsy. It isn't very good for OCD, but it works very well for preventing anxious physical symptoms. For the OCD, I usually take SSRIs and antipsychotics."

• 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."

• Ben...
• Taken for 10 years or more
• September 17, 2022

For Muscle Spasm "It's been a very beneficial medication for me for over a decade. MS (multiple sclerosis) causes very painful and frequent spasms in my legs. Diazepam helps calm the spasms as well as makes them less painful. I use 10 mg tablets anywhere from 2-4 times daily. The occasional drowsiness isn't ever too much to handle. Diazepam also helps with my agoraphobia and really has given my quality of life back."