Medication question...need assistance to understand this

[Haych22]

ive been on diazapam to manage my anxiety/panic disorder. the doctor told me to only take it when im in panic which is almost everynight when resting...i hardly go a night without it...reading everyones post i see people are on a regular dose of anxiety meds such as paxil, xanax etc. I ask, should i bring up to my doctor wednesday possibly being put on something regular to manage this or is it ok to be taking diazapam 4mg everynight...?????

[Iatrogenic]

I very much appreciate your comment.  As straightforward, and positively diazepam has worked for me, (for severe costochondritis attacks as well), and given how seldom I would use the drug, I cannot get a physician here to prescribe it for me.  They happily prescribe medications with far more side effects, and also do so - astoundingly - in the face of contraindicated medical problems where the risk-benefit ration just doesn't warrant their use.  I am convinced it is because diazepam works, and is inexpensive.

Due to a sudden host of medical problems, I am/was? a breath away from beginning an SSRI.  It is so very tempting to think that one could get some relief.  But you know what?  A pleasant dinner out sure works well.  I don't want to further confound the physical issues, and the physicians don't give interactions and effects a second thought.

And a note to greenlydia - although it seems to be brand-dependent, I have always found diazepam to work quickly enough.

[allmymarbles]

Your doctor is very wise. To take stuff like Xanax or diazapam on a maintenance basis is to become an addict. So you have a prescription - it is still addiction.

What you should do is find out if there is a physical cause for your anxiety. Maybe you are  only treating a symptom. I had panic attacks due to high cortisol (an adrenal problem). That was treated and I am fine now. Go to see an endocrinologist. Maybe you will be lucky enough to eliminate anxiety from your life.

[RubyWitch]

While I don't totally disagree with the above poster, if you are experiencing anxiety/panic attacks every night, in my humble opinion you should talk to your doctor about going onto a long term antianxiety med like Klonopin. Diazepam does not have much affinity for panic and is usually perscribed for mild and infrequent anxiety. Taking any antianxiety med once a panic attack has begun is virtually useless. By the time it gets into your system, the attack will be over. Even the sub-lingual wafers take time to get into your system and are not the "magic bullet" many people think they are. Long term antianxiety meds will prevent the attack and also control the anticipatory anxiety that frequently goes along with panic disorders. Unfortunately, no benzo will completely stop them. Xanax is a short acting benzo and pretty much loses it's efficacy within a very short time of regular use. It should, again in my opinion, be reserved as a "rescue" med. Xanax is an extremely difficult drug to withdraw from after long term use, (>4 months) and even the Klonopin will have to be withdrawn slowly and under the guidance of your doctor.
I suggest a long discussion of all your options with your doctor and together make the choice that seems best for you.
Peace
Greenlydia

[caregiver222]

Diazapam has been around a long, long time, and has an excellent safety record and few side effects.  It is an extremely safe medication. Decades ago, you didn't even have to sign for the drug in an ER.

It was unfortunate that the drug enforcement community placed this drug under the spotlight and restricted it's use.

If you can live with the slightly impaired situational awareness and minor brain fog that comes with the program, I would remain with the diazapam.