Diazepam and Panic Attacks: What Users Say

• Pai...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• December 21, 2019

Diazepam for Anxiety "I have been dependent on morphine and oxycodone in high doses for 20 years. Then someone suggested Suboxone, worst decision of my life. I was on it for 8 months and it worked as directed, I was very happy, but started reading about PAWS (Post-acute Withdrawal Syndrome) and started to wean down. Well, anxiety, panic attacks, and confusion hit me like a ton of bricks. Buprenorphine is a horrible drug to get off of. I would rather have gone through full opiate detox than those. Tried Klonopin, Xanax, both were a waste and very addicting! But I was tried on one 10 mg Valium, and I have not felt that normal in ages. I am very leery of any pharmaceutical and don’t take it daily, sometimes I put it away for a month. It has truly given my life back, but I’m still on a drug. I want to be off everything, and I don’t know if that will ever be. But for now, I’m not clenching my teeth all day and tossing all night, so I’m grateful. Thanks, doc, for taking a risk on me."

• Don...
• Taken for 10 years or more
• June 14, 2020

For Meniere's Disease "23 years ago I woke up and felt high. Diagnosed with Meniere’s, Mal de barquement?, horrible tinnitus, anxiety/panic attacks, allergy issues, and depersonalization as well, hence the high feeling. The first 7 years I struggled through Zoloft, Lexapro, allergy meds, and back surgery until one day a friend told me to ask my doctor to try Valium. Game changer!! After the very first 5 mg dose of diazepam, I felt a sense of calm for 2 days that I had not felt in 7 years. The last 16 years I don’t think I would’ve made it if it weren’t for “Mother’s Little Helper.” Over time I’ve gone from 5 mg daily to 10 mg, my body craved more based on my symptoms worsening. Still, I get panic/anxiety attacks once in a while, but they have never sent me to the hospital like during those initial 7 years of suffering. I’m turning 50 soon and planning to somehow make it till the end with diazepam's help! Good luck to you all!!"

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

For Anxiety "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."

• 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."

• mks...
• Taken for 6 months to 1 year
• September 5, 2014

For Anxiety "I suffered a major panic attack while driving 6 months ago, which left me with constant severe anxiety. My doctor put me on citalopram and beta blockers, which made things much worse. I was now having panic attacks, night terrors, and feeling very suicidal. I was eventually put on 2 mg diazepam tablets. This helped within 20 minutes of my first tablet. I felt slightly less anxious and a bit medicated. I continued taking 2 to 3 tablets a day for the next few weeks. There was a dramatic improvement. When I'm feeling a bit dodgy, I will still use it as and when needed."

• Jea...
• June 20, 2020

Diazepam for Muscle Spasm "My doctor prescribed Valium after I had two lung surgeries. It was to treat the pain and muscle spasms. Thankful it was only 5 mgs per night. I couldn’t get a refill in time, and I’d been on it for about two years. I just felt it was time to get off of the Valium. I think I’m doing better pain-wise. And I take Tramadol for that pain during the day. I have been experiencing withdrawals. I am taking natural supplements in place to wean me off. I shake a little, rapid anxious thoughts, digestive upset, irritability, panic. It’s not good to take it long term. I rated Valium high because it did its job, relaxed me, and the only side effects for me were dry mouth and being more tired in the morning. The con is clearly the addictive properties of it. Your body starts to need it just to go to sleep or feel normal. I’m hoping this will end soon. I read it can take months or years to come off Valium. I was on a low dose, so I hope it won’t last that long."

• Eye...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• November 27, 2019

Diazepam for Anxiety "I can’t say this medicine is horrible for everyone, but I can say that I got the unlucky end of the stick. This medicine actually made my anxiety worse! I literally felt like I was losing my mind. I couldn’t sleep at night because my fight or flight response wouldn’t stop rushing through my body, and it made me have horrible panic attacks. It got to a point I had to call the EMS because my heart rate went up to 170. I was excited to try the medicine from the reviews because I wanted the relief and calm mind, but I will never take this medicine again."

• Sle...
• August 14, 2015

For Meniere's Disease "I have been on Valium for 2 days, and what a difference a day makes! I have been suffering from lower back pain and neck pain radiating through my face and brain. I started to get anxious and panic attacks in the last 2 months. I blamed that on stress and pain. Then I started having symptoms of vertigo. My primary care physician tried a typical drug, it helped very little. Then he prescribed Valium after hesitating for the vertigo, and I feel like a different person already. I am more relaxed, less pain, and no dizziness so far, just a little wobbly the first hour... I hope it works for the long run!"

• Wen...
• Taken for 10 years or more
• August 27, 2022

For Anxiety "Good to see all the positives with Valium. I lost two babies many years ago and started off with panic attacks, and then I couldn’t swallow. I went down to 39 kilos. I was put on Xanax but got weaned off that. I’m glad there are other people in the same boat as me. I only take 5mg of Valium once a day and just needed reassurance that I’m not the only one. I now can do anything and live my life."

• Rob...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• July 3, 2021

For Anxiety "At first: Good sleep... later... ok sleep... later... not much sleep... later... insomnia... Helps with anxiety, feeling fine... later... it's less helpful... later... even less now... later... no help at all. What's left now: Anxiety, insomnia, tremors, panic attacks, fatigue/tiredness, inability to resolve simple tasks, unable to concentrate, gain weight, agoraphobia, social anxiety, health anxiety, and so on... tolerance to it is the worst thing that happened to me. Withdrawal: painful and long. In the end: it helps to not help me at all, it helps me to feel much worse than I was before. It lies, it's a false and dangerous pill. Wish I never had been prescribed to it... Stay away from this nightmare..."

• Sul...
• May 2, 2020

For Anxiety "Teva diazepam doesn't work. Teva took over the diazepam market, it doesn't work. My headaches, anxiety attacks, and panic attacks are back. It is like taking nothing, and an ingredient that makes me sick. I feel like suing, no active ingredient in it. I can prove that. God, my head hurts, and dizziness will return tomorrow, this I know. I hope the FDA takes this garbage off the market. There are others out there. Maybe I have been taking, but for some reason, the hospital pharmacy, it's like no active ingredient. I miss Mylan, it worked for many years. I haven't slept in 2 days. Now, I have to attempt to see my doctor for a change in medications because of Teva. Now I know why I have been having horrible head pain and panic, not real diazepam. Any brand is better than this. No sleep this month for me, shaking badly. Teva is not diazepam."

• Gar...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• September 26, 2019

For Alcohol Withdrawal "I have some problems with alcohol, mainly because I use it to relax myself, as I have a history of anxiety since being a little kid. When I start to drink, I drink every night quite heavily, then pass out. After a month or so of this, I start to get awful withdrawal during the daytime with symptoms like depression, bad anxiety, depersonalization, panic, sweating, and really fast heart rate. Just awful symptoms, which my doctor said is alcohol withdrawal, so he's put me on 5 mg of diazepam 3x a day, and it's been great, not felt the need to drink alcohol. I do realize I'm basically swapping one substance for another, but I plan to not take anything soon. Good luck, anxiety is a real pain, you're not alone."

• Rai...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• January 22, 2021

Diazepam for Anxiety "I was diagnosed with general anxiety disorder many years ago and took Ativan with no problems. Six months ago, I was put on Valium instead, and it's been a nightmare. I now have panic disorder. If you need it, don't take it for long. That's my experience, and I can't wait until I wean off Valium permanently."

• Dia...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• August 24, 2018

For Anxiety "My psychiatrist prescribed Valium 5 mg 3x a day for anxiety. I didn’t tell him I had anxiety, he told me I did! I had said it was depression. I never really felt anxious but took it thinking he must know what he’s doing. Well, that was the beginning of the worst experience I’ve ever had. I took it as directed, and within a week, I started having horrible anxiety! Never did I ever have this feeling before. It was sheer panic and extreme agitation. It was especially bad between doses, but even when taken, it did little to stop it. I literally was in hell. How could Valium cause me severe anxiety?? Well, I learned it was a paradoxical reaction. My doctor brushed it off, and I ended up inpatient at a hospital for 2 weeks! They gave me muscle relaxers and Neurontin to try to calm me down. Then they gave me Seroquel, which made me a virtual zombie. These meds, starting with the careless actions of a so-called doctor, destroyed my life for months and put me and my husband through hell."

• Ins...
• Taken for 2 to 5 years
• February 26, 2023

For Night Terrors "This medication is the reason I am still here. I have ADHD in conjunction with lifelong night terrors/insomnia. I cannot switch off at night. This medication allows me to sleep and get the rest I desperately need. 10 mg at night is like a light switch for my fight or flight. I also suffer from panic attacks, and this is the only thing that's helped (15 mg). I am so grateful for this drug."

• Anonymous
• October 21, 2009

For Anxiety "I have been dealing with a high-conflict court battle on and off for 8 years. Two years ago, I went to my doctor because the stress was getting so bad my hair started falling out (adrenals depleted, onto hypothyroidism - what a mess). He put me on Zoloft, which I only stayed on until I could go off. I wasn't depressed, I was panicked, anxiety attacks, palpitations, etc. I have no idea why he put me on Zoloft instead of Valium. Well, we started our next round of court battles since I guess the ex isn't done annihilating me yet, and same thing, panic, irritability, unable to think straight, thoughts swirling. A friend gave me a few 10 mg Valiums, and I couldn't believe how much they helped. I could actually THINK without freaking out! Awesome."

• Jib...
• Taken for 2 to 5 years
• August 31, 2016

For Anxiety "I've been on diazepam for years. At first, I thought it was the wonder drug. It worked quickly, and the relief was amazing. I suffered from anxiety, panic attacks, and generalized depression for years prior. But then the wonder drug stopped working - just like that, immediately - all the benefits I came to trust disappeared. I was left in the same state as before taking it. I should mention that the med stopped working after only a very brief period, perhaps months. However, my doctor continues to prescribe it; why, I don't know. I rarely take it anymore, but when I do, hoping for the same relief I initially felt - nothing! Only advice I can offer is: if it works for you, great, BUT don't think it is the cure, at least not long term."

• Wil...
• October 8, 2015

For Anxiety "Diazepam is okay in the very short term, but is highly addictive, and withdrawing from it will give you panic attacks, a real cold turkey sensation. Took me 6 months to get off it, but still felt panicky at times. I was recently given it for headaches and tension after 30 years off it, and can't say I was happy taking it even short term. It did relieve my tension after 3 days. I decided no more, and although my sleeping is not good, it is better to soldier on without it if you can. Controlled breathing, lavender oil to breathe in, and pressure points to lower blood pressure were used instead. I feel better and brighter now by using self-control. It is so easy to take a tablet, and there may be times you may have to if it is a one-off option."

• Wol...
• August 25, 2021

For Anxiety "After a traumatic, life-altering event, a victim, and all I did and knew was destroyed. I was given Valium and panic, severed sobbing depression. It was a lifesaver in sleeping and waking with a clearer head. After working through all of it, I recognized and we adjusted my blood pressure meds, and sure enough, it's what I needed, not diazepam. I take it now for physical pains, and it's one med doing 10 things, not 10 meds doing 1. The diazepam is actually safer than what some would prescribe for individual ailments. I have proven to be responsible."

• AJa...
• Taken for 5 to 10 years
• September 24, 2018

For Anxiety "I was put on this medication for Ménière’s disease in March 2013. I am up to 30 mg a day, and it helps my Ménière’s, but it has never helped my anxiety. It has made my anxiety worse to the point I have panic attacks and refuse to leave home. The doctor gave it to me because it helps with my Ménière’s, but for some reason, it doesn’t make me tired. It doesn’t do anything but help me keep my balance."

• Ama...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• June 20, 2023

Diazepam for Light Sedation "I was given 2 pills of this drug prior to a dental procedure. The one I took the night before my procedure gave me the worst panic attack I have ever had. I thought I was going to end up in the hospital, it was so scary. I will never take this drug again. I will stick with my normal Klonopin that doesn't do this to me."

• via...
• June 17, 2014

For Anxiety "I started having panic attacks, anxiety, which all led me to insomnia for 4 days. I was not able to sleep for more than 1.5 hours. I went to my GP, and he prescribed me a dose of 7.5 mg of zopiclone, and this tablet acted very fast but only kept me asleep for 3 hours. My GP prescribed me 5 mg of diazepam for three days, and when I took the first dose of 5 mg, I waited and waited, it just didn't do anything, and I had even more panic attacks and anxiety. So I decided to take all of them, which makes 15 mg of diazepam, and nothing happened, I just felt really confused and heavy-headed. After 6 hours, I managed to have some sleep for 8 hours. I don't think this is the right medicine for me, but the next day it did make me feel calm and kind of relaxed."

• Lan...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• February 6, 2021

For Anxiety "I was given a dose when I was first admitted to the hospital due to my uneasiness and stress. I was reluctant to take it as I have had nothing but problems with benzodiazepines. This was one of the worst reactions I've ever had. I spent the next 6 hours aggressively rocking in my bed while having serious open-eye hallucinations and disordered thinking. It induced a panic attack so crushing, painful, and long-lasting I unknowingly dug my nails into my chest for hours, grabbing at the cramping. This left unintended cuts and bruises from the experience. In its wake, a deep sense of anger like I've never experienced before set in that took a good day to resolve. Never again will I allow that in my body."

• 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??"

• Ked...
• November 2, 2009

Diazepam for Anxiety "I was given 5 mg to take the night before a dental visit as I have severe anxiety and 5 mg to take an hour before the appointment. I took the 5 mg of Valium in place of my Xanax and within 4 hours was throwing up and having the worst panic attacks. Had to call my doctor for Phenergan to stop the vomiting."