Diazepam

[BiancaCastafiore]

I have been prescriped diazepam to help combat anxiety on a car journey. I have always avoided pills and am not sure about whether I really want to take it or not. How will it make me feel and how long do the effects last?

[moodlumthehoodlum]

In a way you don't feel anything. Just calm. It doesn't make you feel like you're spaced out or anything, just yourself but calmer. I too could cheerfully pop one

[BiancaCastafiore]

Sounds OK then, but I worry that by starting to take pills I'll become dependant on them for all journeys and I really don't want a habit to start, I'm trying to get over this anxiety.

[moodlumthehoodlum]

No, you'll be fine. The chances are that they are a relatively low dose, and GPs are really reluctant to prescribe them, so you won't have a chance to form a habit.

[ladylush]

bianca - diazepam is a benzodiazepine. You will only develop a dependency if you take them over a long period of time. If you are concerned about taking pills, you could try hypnotherapy. I am going to try this for my fear of plane journeys. I don't like the idea of taking benzos in case there is a crash and I need my wits about me!!! See how neurotic I am But really, taking these pills on an occasional basis will not do any harm. Don't mix with alcohol though.

[BiancaCastafiore]

I was recommended hypnotherapy but the chap I wanted to see had no time before we go away (this weekend). I have just heard about a lady in our village who offers it though so am tempted to give her a ring in case she can help. If not it's something I will consider for the future.

I am the same about feeling as though I need my wits about me. Above all I want to be able to get excited with the kids about reaching the coast etc not feeling out of it in any way.

[Twinkie1]

I have it now infront of me as my shoulders keep going into spasm and it is like being wrapped in a big warm cosy hug!

Is one of the most addictive drugs you can take and I can completely see why!

[GooseyLoosey]

It will calm you down and I doubt very much that taking them once in a blue moon would lead to any kind of dependency. I take them on a very occasional basis and do not feel the need for them when I am not taking them.

[ladylush]

Did you mean you would not consider pills in the future? I am thinking of getting an audio cd first and if that doesn't work, I will go to a hypnotherapist. It's not nice when the beginning and end of your holiday/journey is spoilt because you're anxious about travelling.

[BiancaCastafiore]

No, I mean I will consider a hypnotherapist for the next joureny if I can't get an appointment before this one.
I really would rather use other techniques to pills if I can.

[ladylush]

Yes I think that's sensible (am a MH nurse by the way).

[BiancaCastafiore]

thanks.

I have emailed the local hypnotherapist. I know her a little (used to babysit for her children many moons ago!)
I think my plan will be to set off without taking the diazepam and see how we get on. Does it act quite quickly if I find myself getting wound up and need to take it?

[ladylush]

What dose have you got? I would recommend taking the smallest dose possible and see how you get on. It's action varies from person to person but generally I would give someone who is very anxious a higher dose (which I think you want to avoid?) We don't use diazepam much at work (when we do it is used more for alcohol dependents withdrawing from alcohol)but we use Lorazepam which is very similar. Lorazepam is usually 1-2 mg and for mild anxiety I would give 1mg, 2 for severe. I think Diazepam starts from 5mg upward.

[ladylush]

In your shoes I would probably take the lowest dose before the journey rather than getting realy anxious and having to take more. The lowest dose should not make you feel groggy or out of it.

[BiancaCastafiore]

I have 5mg dose, I think the doc said I could take half if I wanted (I did express to him that I wasn't sure I'd take them or not) Anxiety really is v high fo rme regarding this journey

[ladylush]

really

[ladylush]

Ok then you could take 2.5mg before you set off and see how you feel. If still very anxious in the car, half an hour later you could take the other 2.5mg. How long is the car journey? If it is long, I think you would be better off just taking the 5mg tbh as otherwise the 2.5mg will wear off.

[myermay]

Fabulous stuff, i had some prescribed for when i had an operation under local - and i was a bit hysterical about it! I did however take 2-3 more than i should've, because i wanted to be pretty zonked out. It just made me very relaxed and not bothered about anything, so it did the job. I was incrediably tired for the next 2-3 days though.

[BiancaCastafiore]

It'll be about 5 hours but once we get past the areas with heavy traffic (3 hours a=or so) I will relax anyway. Thanks for your advice

[ladylush]

Your welcome. Enjoy the coast

[ladylush]

you're can't spell today

[BiancaCastafiore]

I managed to book 2 hypnotherapy sessions for today and tomorrow so am hoping they're helpful as an addition to the diazepam or instead of it.

[arionater]

I take it sometimes - I'm very sensitive to all those drugs so even the 2mg diazepam knock me out (ie I fall asleep quite quickly) and 5mg is like being anaesthetised (instant unfightable unconsciousness) - but that's quite unusual, and in any case sleeping may be welcome on a car journey, most people just feel pleasantly relaxed. If you're concerned about it, I'd take the advice above and split the pill and take half to start with followed by the other half if you still feel worried.

[expatinscotland]

i don't take it just now as am pregnant, but have some leftover.

i usually need at least 5mg.

[Hangingbellyofbabylon]

I take it you are a passenger and not the driver? I've had diazepam for panic attacks and insomnia and it has always well and truly knocked me out - I used to take 1/4 of 5g tablet. It's great stuff though, doesn't make you feel high or spacey just nice and calm as you would be normally if you weren't under extra stress. I actually used to keep the packet in my handbag for emergencies but found I very very rarely used it, just knowing I had it as back-up was enough to sort out my anxiety. It's great stuff, would happily take it again if the need arose.