Diazepam and Muscle Spasms: What Users Say

• bob...
• Taken for 1 to 2 years
• September 4, 2012

Diazepam for Muscle Spasm "I have been put on Valium to relieve the muscle spasms and aches due to the reduction of Prednisone, which I have been taking for a long period of time (26 years). Anyway, this reduction of Prednisone has caused me quite a bit of muscle spasms, muscle aches, and muscle pain. The 10 mg of Valium relieves the muscle spasms and achiness. I feel the Valium is a godsend for my relief. I take one 10-mg tablet of Valium every morning when I wake up, as that is when the muscle pain is most severe. The Valium is effective in relieving the effects of the tapering down of my Prednisone level. Valium works very well for me. I rate the Valium a 10 in my relief!"

• Pam...
• Taken for 5 to 10 years
• December 6, 2022

Diazepam for Anxiety "Bless the doctor who finally saw this drug as an anodyne for me. I have arterio-venous necrosis, which means my joints are collapsing due to the death of tiny blood vessels, a very painful condition causing difficulty walking and using my arms. Valium not only relieves the pain, it also calms the crippling fear of falling, which keeps me from progressing with my physical therapy after the hip replacement, which I'm finally beginning to walk again after more than 2 and a half years on the Rollator. It allows me to sleep, it blots out social anxiety, and it prevents nausea and muscle spasms. I call it my anodyne... it is THE medicine for me. If I am addicted to it, so be it. I'm addicted to having a livable quality of life! Thank you, Diazepam!"

• SJC...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• June 16, 2021

For Muscle Spasm "I was on diazepam for a couple of months, then my doctor was switched and I was taken off because it was a benzo! I have bipolar disorder, osteoarthritis, and a possible autoimmune disorder. The pain that I started to suffer in my upper thighs at night was unbearable. Then I started to get terrible muscle spasms in my feet and calf muscles, so bad that one night my husband had to call the ambulance and I was rushed to the hospital. Finally, I got a new specialist and he immediately put me back on diazepam, explaining that it helps with anxiety, thus helps to relax muscles. I am now on 15 mg, working my way up to 20 mg, and for the first time in months, I have not had a muscle spasm and have been able to start to sleep. I am a 52-year-old woman and have my own business. I thought I was going to have to stop working. This drug is given a bad reputation, but used properly, it is a lifesaver!!"

• Kai...
• Taken for 10 years or more
• December 3, 2017

Diazepam for Muscle Spasm "I have CP on my right side and down my back, along with scoliosis and a bad pars defect. For the pain and spasms, I take methadone and diclofenac for the pain, Lyrica for the neuropathy, and Valium, Soma, and cannabis for the spasms. I've been on the Valium the longest. It's a double-edged sword in that I use it for anxiety and spasms. Before it, I was on all the other standard benzodiazepines. Pound for pound, it is the safest benzo to be on. It lasts the longest in your system and self-tapers, meaning that withdrawal from it is easier than, say, Xanax or Klonopin. I've been on Valium for almost 10 years, and it has helped tremendously. With it, I can get out of bed every day and have quality of life. Recently, I switched from generic to name brand."

• Jac...
• Taken for 2 to 5 years
• August 2, 2024

Diazepam for Muscle Spasm "I’ve been diagnosed with peripheral and peroneal neuropathy in early 2009. My orthopedic surgeon initially prescribed 10 mg tablets 4 times daily. Also, I was prescribed gabapentin and Celebrex that didn’t agree with me. So, I was prescribed OxyContin immediate release, including Vicodin. The leg spasms were mostly at bedtime when my body was in a lying position. I never took more than 4 tablets a day, nor more than 10 mg at a time. I later found out that by putting my hands on my knees for a few minutes, the spasms in my feet and hamstrings subsided. I quit all the above meds in 2015 and had no adverse effects. I find that belonging to the YMCA, I utilize the sauna, steam, and jacuzzi, which help with my musculoskeletal symptoms. I do have spasms throughout my body (being a former tradesman) and have other occupational issues. Also, I take hot Epsom salts baths and drink tea, especially Smooth Move tea, that helps remove the toxins and keeps my bowels moving. Think positive!"

• Anonymous
• August 16, 2020

For Muscle Spasm "Spinal damage for 30 years! It is the only thing that has helped me live a normal life. I can't find a doctor that will continue to treat me. This is urgent. The spasms squeeze the disc in my neck. Next surgery. I will never turn my head again. Up, down, left, or right. Have 2 teenage daughters and a hardworking wife. Anyone that can help, let me know."

• Aty...
• Taken for 2 to 5 years
• September 16, 2016

Diazepam for Muscle Spasm "In conjunction with a work-up for what was determined to be peripheral neuropathy, I began having severe muscle spasms in my back, neck, legs, and now my hands. Baclofen, and later Zanaflex, worked well at first but eventually no longer managed the spasms, so my primary care doctor added Valium for breakthrough spasms. It works very well and I used it sparingly, but after a change in pain management physicians, benzodiazepines were banned because I was taking opiates. I'm miserable without at least some relief from the constant spasms and have nothing to take to prevent them during procedures where I must be still and not at risk for any spasms."

• Wil...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• September 5, 2019

For Muscle Spasm "For years, I struggled to understand why sporadically I would get muscle spasms and a tension or tightness in my lower regions. Even walking was uncomfortable, as clothing was irritating my genital area. I was prescribed diazepam, and within a reasonably short time, the symptoms had gone. I now use it if stress starts creeping in, as it has recently. Used sensibly, it’s the absolute fix for this. Well, it was and is for me. The biggest thing is not to worry yourself mad over it, because then you find yourself in a nasty loop you can’t break. Good luck to all."

• Dub...
• Taken for 1 to 2 years
• April 3, 2017

For Muscle Spasm "I have a bulging disc (right) lower back, also get sciatica from time to time and pain in the right shoulder. This is not my main complaint, though. I have some form of nerve/muscle damage that causes severe random muscle/nerve spasms/twitching, like a trapped nerve, and random pains daily ever since I was hospitalized with an anxiety attack back in late Sept. 2014. I've had to put up with constant pain on a severe level daily and constantly uncomfortable from severe spasms like a trapped nerve daily, along with severe chest pain in the heart area, palpitations, and random muscle/nerve pains but severe, also daily. Some docs say nerve damage, some say fibromyalgia. Val. 10 mg x2 daily, although I take it off and on, helps a lot."

• bec...
• January 20, 2010

Diazepam for Anxiety "I have suffered from anxiety, muscle spasms, nightmares, tremors, restless legs, and mood swings. I have taken 5 mg of Valium, sometimes 10 mg on and off since an extremely stressful nightmare of a divorce my ex dragged on for 3 years. My attorney suggested Valium, and my regular doctor had no trouble prescribing this. 30 tablets will often last 3 months - I've had refills expire, as I only take as needed (since 1995). This medication has been a lifesaver for me, and when I had PMDD (when it was just BAD PMS in the '90s), I have taken Xanax in the past, and the forgetfulness was unbearable, I couldn't drive, and withdrawal was immediate and awful. No problem with Valium! My pain doctor and regular doctor won't prescribe Valium to anyone anymore - long half-life? Ativan and Buspar didn't help at all."

• Spa...
• Taken for 1 to 2 years
• November 2, 2024

For Muscle Spasm "I've been prescribed diazepam on and off for years for panic. Literally 2 mg or 5 mg, a box of 5 that would last me months. Recently, I've developed muscle spasms in my back, neck, shoulders, and legs. I've got fibromyalgia but am going for tests for other issues. Anyway, after trying zapain, antidepressants, rubs, patches, hot and cold therapy, etc. My GP has prescribed me more, as she knows I've always been very sensible with this medication. The last few days, I've taken 5 mg at night and sometimes half in the morning. And the relief is instant, almost. No pain, no stiffness, no spasms. I'll continue to use it as required but mindfully. I understand it's a drug that, in the wrong hands, can be abused and I know that's why many GPs are reluctant to prescribe. Which is a shame for those it could benefit greatly, as it beats everything else hands down. After all, Codeine can be just as addictive but that's handed out much more easily. Definitely worth trying diazepam."

• Lil...
• Taken for 10 years or more
• March 13, 2025

For Seizures "The neurologist put me on diazepam 5 mg. Started at 2.5 mg, but M.S. over the years added to what it threw at me. I had muscle spasms, severe vertigo, and seizures. Two different types. Was on baclofen but had to eventually stop that drug. She increased the diazepam to 5 mg, 3 times a day for 3 conditions since it is a muscle relaxant. I have been on diazepam for many years. It is not the drug of choice for epilepsy, but it works. Since it is used for all 3 conditions, why I ended up with taking 3 5 mg, 3 times a day. Sometimes I can take 2 if things are bad. Some days I don't take any at all. This medication is the best without all the side effects. I do presume it causes constipation issues, but then again, M.S. causes a lot of issues."

• Kin...
• July 12, 2009

For Muscle Spasm "I've been prescribed most of the drugs on this review list and met with differing degrees of success. My sacrum detached or tore from my right hip in a sports accident, and I get tremendous back pain associated with muscle spasms as things slip out of position in my low back. Even after being reset into the proper positions, I have muscle spasms for a couple of days as the muscles get used to being where they should really be. Diazepam works wonders for me. I can take 5 mg and be good all day. It works fast and keeps me from being so out of it like cyclobenzaprine (Flexeril). Robaxin does nothing for me, and NSAIDs are also worthless - diazepam is perfect."

• Jay...
• Taken for 6 months to 1 year
• July 18, 2019

For Anxiety "They are really good for calming me down. I don’t take them every day, just when I feel really bad anxiety. They are good at that, but on the days I don’t take them, my anxiety seems worse. But I refuse to take them unless I really do need them. Helps with pain I get in my feet and lower back. Helps with the spasms. I can’t rate this drug high enough, although I imagine when I don't take them, I feel lousy."

• Big...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• January 5, 2022

For Muscle Spasm "I'm 51 now. At 14, an auto accident tore everything that could be torn, except my spinal cord. Thank you, Lord. I did everything I was told to do, from physical therapy to watching my diet, watching what I pick up, how I pick it up, my whole life now, and I just found out that Valium helps with spasms. My spasms are so debilitating, every breath I inhale, I black out. Only to find out if we go by their rules, I am an addict. What happened to 'we hire the doctor?' Lord forbid you go to the E.R. to refill whatever you need. Now you're a drug seeker!"

• Anonymous
• April 10, 2008

For Anxiety "One of the best anti-anxiety medications ever made. Also very good for insomnia and muscle cramps or spasms. The minimal withdrawal effects, due in part to the medicine's long half-life, make diazepam one of the kindest benzodiazepines."

• Ben...
• Taken for 10 years or more
• April 25, 2022

For Muscle Spasm "This medication (diazepam) has given me back a much better quality of life. I suffer from MS, and the severe, painful spasms it causes are crippling. 10 mg of diazepam 2-3 times daily benefits me and enables me to do physical therapy. It brings my pain level down, decreases the frequency and severity of muscle spasms. I've tried baclofen, Robaxin, Flexeril, etc. Nothing helps like the Valium. I can see how it's addicting and has abuse potential, but for me, the benefits outweigh the risks. I've been using diazepam for approx. 10 years now and don't plan on stopping because literally nothing else works!"

• Ben...
• Taken for 10 years or more
• April 25, 2022

For Muscle Spasm "This medication (diazepam) has given me back a much better quality of life. I suffer from MS, and the severe, painful spasms it causes are crippling. 10 mg of diazepam 2-3 times daily benefits me and enables me to do physical therapy. It brings my pain level down, decreases the frequency and severity of muscle spasms. I've tried baclofen, Robaxin, Flexeril, etc. Nothing helps like the Valium. I can see how it's addicting and has abuse potential, but for me, the benefits outweigh the risks. I've been using diazepam for approx. 10 years now and don't plan on stopping because literally nothing else works!"

• Seg...
• July 24, 2009

For Muscle Spasm "I was riding a Segway last weekend and unfortunately crashed and burned. Fell on my right side. Right now pretty black and blue. Had a lot of high-intensity muscle spasms, including the entire upper right back area radiating around to the upper chest and abdomen. Each lasted several seconds. Doctor prescribed 5 mg diazepam tabs, up to 8 per day. Only needed four a day to start, and spasms showed remarkable improvement within two days. Still have some at night when reclining or turning, but I believe this will subside within a week instead of weeks. The doctor sure knew what he was doing."

• L M...
• Taken for 10 years or more
• August 20, 2017

For Muscle Spasm "I am on diazepam to treat Stiff Person's Syndrome and related anxiety symptoms: fear of heights, open spaces. Anxiety, stress, and loneliness are increasing, though muscle spasms and stiffening attacks no longer occur."

• Bus...
• Taken for 10 years or more
• August 9, 2021

For Anxiety "I was on 2 mg Xanax three times a day, then switched to Klonopin 2 mg three times a day. And also on Valium 10 mg four times a day at one point. I've tried all three, and Valium is by far the best. If you're looking to get high, maybe Xanax bars, but if you just start taking it for anxiety and other issues, such as neck spasms and muscle spasms along with anxiety issues, I find it to work the best. Klonopin is just messed up, can't remember what day of the week it is on Klonopin. Xanax is too short-acting and too addictive. So I like Valium, it's longer-acting than all of them, and it works really well, and I'm taking 5 mg four times a day now. I've been taking the medicine since 1997. Between Xanax, Klonopin, and Valium, I rotated throughout the years, so I know what I'm talking about. At least for me, Valium is the best."

• Bus...
• Taken for 10 years or more
• August 9, 2021

For Anxiety "I was on 2 mg Xanax three times a day, then switched to Klonopin 2 mg three times a day. And also on Valium 10 mg four times a day at one point. I've tried all three, and Valium is by far the best. If you're looking to get high, maybe Xanax bars, but if you just start taking it for anxiety and other issues, such as neck spasms and muscle spasms along with anxiety issues, I find it to work the best. Klonopin is just messed up, can't remember what day of the week it is on Klonopin. Xanax is too short-acting and too addictive. So I like Valium, it's longer-acting than all of them, and it works really well, and I'm taking 5 mg four times a day now. I've been taking the medicine since 1997. Between Xanax, Klonopin, and Valium, I rotated throughout the years, so I know what I'm talking about. At least for me, Valium is the best."

• mys...
• Taken for 5 to 10 years
• March 11, 2023

For Muscle Spasm "I've had myofascial pain syndrome for about 15 years now. I've been on loads of different things: ibuprofen, co-codamol, co-dydramol, gabapentin, amitriptyline, duloxetine, and finally tramadol, which I still take. My pain is always present, but I can deal with it about 50% of the time when it's in the background; the other 50%, I take a low dose of 37.5 mg tramadol mixed with paracetamol. Now, sometimes I get really bad episodes with muscle spasms. I have had extreme pain for days or even weeks. The only thing that will help me, in this case, is diazepam (I found this out when it was prescribed to me a couple of times after going to the hospital with unbearable pain). I can't get it through my GP, so now I need to get it in a different way. If I don't, the muscle tension and pain will get worse and worse. I love diazepam because it's the only thing that can stop the pain cycle after I take it a few days in a row. Something like this only happens about 3 or 4 weeks per year, so I'm not addicted."

• Sun...
• December 16, 2019

Diazepam "PLEASE DO NOT TAKE THIS HORRIFIC DRUG OR ANY BENZO! 5 years ago, I cold turkeyed off 5 mg of Valium, which I only used as a sleep aid. I literally lost one year of my life experiencing over 150 bizarre withdrawal symptoms, and I never had one of these symptoms prior to taking this drug. Some of the symptoms I experienced were chemical anxiety, tachycardia, auditory hallucinations, extreme fear, weight loss, SEVERE hair loss, chest pains, body aches, memory loss, I suddenly could not spell, could not formulate sentences, difficulty walking, flu-like symptoms, bone pain, night sweats, muscle jerks, and a hundred more symptoms. I am happy to report that all of these symptoms did abate, but it took one year. Valium and all benzodiazepines are only to be used short-term, less than 14 days. Also, Google Benzo Buddies, they helped save my life. Find out about the Ashton Manual to withdraw. PLEASE EDUCATE yourself about benzos."

• Lil...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• September 2, 2022

For Endoscopy or Radiology Premedication "Been attempting to get an MRI done on my neck. I told my doctor I'm claustrophobic, so my first attempt at getting the MRI without anything failed miserably. The doctor then prescribed diazepam 5 mg to take 1/2 hour before my next MRI. Took as directed, checked into my appointment still feeling nervous, got to the MRI machine still feeling nervous, got in the MRI machine, and after the first image, I asked to be pulled out so I could try and stop shaking uncontrollably. Ended up crying, shaking, and couldn't complete the MRI. This stuff is garbage, and now my day is shot from not only still having a panic attack but because now I have a migraine from the MRI machine giving me muscle spasms. I don't take any other medication except my pain meds as directed, so you'd think this stuff would work. Am I the only one this stuff doesn't work on??"