Valium...need advice.

I am going on  Valium for my anxiety.  I can't tollerate xanax because it gives me that "druged" feeling and makes me extremely sleepy.  A friend gave me a few valium for the weekend and I FELT GREAT!  No body aches, my mind was clear and I had energy.  I realize this was only two days but can anyone tell me about the negatives that go along with prolonged use of Valium.  Thanks in advance for any direction.

[KevinNJ25]

Addictive. Associate every positive thing you experience with that pill causing you to become dependent.  Take them only when it is a must.  Do note Valium is a painkiller.  Would you like to go a different route like a benzo.  I currently take Nivram OCCASIONALLY for my anxiety and it does work very well.  Not very many people talk about it on this forum though.

[tropicalsoul]

I'm open to anything but I've never heard of Nivram.  So far I've tried Prozac, Lexapro, Amatryptaline, Cymbalta and buspar and they all have horrible side effects on me.  I've taken 5mgs of Valium before and felt GREAT the next day.  No body aches, no mood swings, no cravings for my pain meds....it was wonderful.