Diazepam is used to treat anxiety that is more serious than that caused by the normal stress of everyday life. In general, diazepam is only used only for short periods of time, around 2 to 4 weeks, unless your doctor advises something different.
It is usually only recommended for a short period of time of up to 4 weeks. If you're prescribed diazepam for more than 4 weeks, your dose may be reduced gradually to prevent withdrawal symptoms.
People are not normally prescribed diazepam for more than four weeks as people can become dependent on it if they take it for longer. They may also get withdrawal symptoms when they stop taking it. You and your doctor should talk about how long you might need to take diazepam.
Valium is not FDA–approved for long-term anxiety treatment or for the treatment of less severe anxiety symptoms that are associated with everyday life. It is only meant as a temporary treatment option for those who have moderate to severe symptoms of anxiety.
Are There Any Risks For Taking Diazepam For Long Periods Of Time? Diazepam is a safe and effective medication when used as directed. Benzodiazepines may produce emotional and/or physical dependence (addiction) even when used as recommended. Physical dependence may develop after 2 or more weeks of daily use.
Diazepam has a risk for abuse and addiction, which can lead to overdose and death. Taking this medication with alcohol or other drugs that can cause drowsiness or breathing problems (especially opioid medications such as codeine, hydrocodone) may cause very serious side effects, including death.
Do not drink alcohol or use street drugs during your treatment. Drinking alcohol or using street drugs during your treatment with diazepam also increases the risk that you will experience these serious, life-threatening side effects.
Examples of SSRIs that are commonly used to treat chronic anxiety include citalopram (Celexa), escitalopram (Lexapro), fluoxetine (Prozac), paroxetine (Paxil), and sertraline (Zoloft).
The central difference between lorazepam and diazepam is lorazepam leaves a person's system more quickly, reducing the chance of toxicity or side effects.
SSRIs and SNRIs are often the first-line treatment for anxiety. Common SSRI brands are Celexa, Lexapro, Luvox, Paxil, and Zoloft. Common SNRI brands are Pristiq, Cymbalta, and Effexor XR. Pros: They are effective for a lot of people and they have a solid safety profile.
You'll usually take diazepam for no longer than 2 to 4 weeks. If you're prescribed diazepam for more than 4 weeks, your dose may be reduced gradually when you stop taking it to prevent withdrawal symptoms.
Diazepam and alcohol are both central nervous system depressants. Therefore, the effects of mixing diazepam and alcohol can not only be be unpleasant but, in some cases, life-threatening.
You should take 2mg up to three times a day as needed for no more than 3 days. Taking this medication for longer can lead to addiction and make it hard to stop taking it.
Valium, diazepam, is a long-acting benzodiazepine, that is often used, against recommendation, to treat anxiety disorders such as panic disorder.
Heavy use of Valium over an extended period of time can have powerful effects on the brain and body. These effects can be permanent and, in some cases, life-threatening. The long-term effects of Valium use include: Memory loss.
Short-term medications are helpful during brief episodes of intense anxiety, such as a panic attack. These medications take effect almost immediately and usually start to wear off within a few hours. They should not be taken daily unless your doctor explicitly recommends it.
Types of Anti-anxiety Medications (Benzodiazepines)
All benzodiazepines work the same way; however, the intensity and duration of their effects vary. Benzodiazepines most commonly used to treat anxiety disorders are clonazepam (Rivotril)*, alprazolam (Xanax) and lorazepam (Ativan).
Valerian, also known as “plant Valium,” is a popular choice as a natural remedy for insomnia or anxiety. In order to ensure patient safety, clinicians need to be knowledgeable about commonly used alternative therapeutic products, their mechanisms of action, and potential pharmacological interactions.
However, since that answer is unlikely to please anyone, the safest anti-anxiety option is likely something weaker, like Buspirone (also known as Buspar).
SSRI's are anti-depressants and are currently the most popular anti-depression / anti-anxiety drugs as they have fewer side effects than MAOI's. SSRI's include drugs such as Prozac, Luvox and Aropax. SSRI's must be taken on a daily basis for at least a few weeks before they are effective.
Although effective for short-term use, they can have serious risks. Benzodiazepines can impair thinking, movement, and driving skills in older people and increase the risk of falls. Long-term use can lead to dependence, and stopping the drug may lead to withdrawal symptoms.
People with a history of addiction may benefit from taking anxiety medications that don't have addictive properties. SSRIs, SNRIs, buspirone, beta-blockers, pregabalin, gabapentin, hydroxyzine, PanX and diphenhydramine are all options for anxiety that are alternatives to addictive benzodiazepines.
Whilst most people find benzodiazepines like diazepam sedating, a small number have paradoxical agitation and in aggression. They can also cause disinhibition and lead you to behave in a way that you would not normally.
Ironically, many of the symptoms of long-term Valium abuse, such as anxiety and sleeplessness, are the same concerns that the medication was prescribed to treat. If overuse of the drug continues, these symptoms are likely to get worse.