Valium users

[Botcho]

Anyone use the old stand by Valium for their anxiety?
What is your doasge? When do you normally take it?

Thanks alot!

[RubyWitch]

Diazepam will NOT prevent anxiety/panic attacks. To control anxiety/panic attacks and the oft present anticipatory anxiety, you need a medication like Klonopin or Xanax. Klonopin for the long haul, as in YEARS, and Xanax for the short road, as in no longer than four months. There are, of couse, other meds, but hopefully your doctor didn't fail Pharmacy 101, (most do) and actually knows the in's and out's of these types of meds..........to say nothing of their UP'S and DOWN'S!
Wow...........just noticed the dates! This is an oldie!
Peace
Greenlydia

[RubyWitch]

Sorry it's taken so long to get to your question. Little problem called "work" which really cuts into my day!
Many years ago, I used to take diazepam on an as needed basis for my panic attacks. Kind of a useless gesture, as the panic attack was over by the time the diazepam finally got into my system. My doctor at that time (and the vast majority of them to this day) do not have a good enough understanding of benzos to prescribe them correctly, and we are the ones who pay for that lack of knowledge.
Diazepam is an excellent long term benzo. You can stay on it for years without it losing it's efficacy. And it is one of the easiest benzos to w/d from when the time comes.
It is also an excellent "as needed" benzo if you are talking about anxiety. If you feel yourself becoming anxious and take some diazepam, relief is just 20 minutes away. If you have panic disorder, I would suggest talking about something a bit more potent like Klonopin to control the anticipatory anxiety that comes with PD.
I have a feeling not too many doctors use diazepam routinely anymore. You called it "the old stand by.." and I think many doctors view it as rather old fashioned now that there are so many newer, shinier models available! Too many docs are quick to prescribe Xanax, and it does have it's place when it's use is closely controlled, but sadly, it seldom is, and it then turns into a very nasty, dare I say, evil drug. But don't get me going on that.
I know I haven't answered your question and I can't because I don't use diazepam, but hopefully someone on here can respond to your quesiton.
Have you been prescribed diazepam? If so, what is the dosage, how often have you been told to take it? Personally I applaud your doctor if he/she has put you on something as trustworthy as Valium.
If perchance, you don't get a response other than my rather useless one, you can always talk to a pharmacist about the dosages and best times to take it. But your doctor should have discussed all of that with you.
I do hope you get an answere!
Peace
Greenlydia