diazepam - using it for over a year?

Question

Hi

I have already asked similar questions but i am quite worried.

I have been taking 5mg of diazepam a day now for a back problem.

I know that one of the uses of this drug is to relieve anxiety but recently I seem to be more anxious than I have ever been, sometimes about the craziest of things. I recently lost my dog in a tragic accident and since then my anxiety levels are much worse. I have read that you should not take diazepam after a bereavement.

Can long term use even at a low level cause any chemical imbalances in the brain.

Answer 1

i would ask your doctor. because upping your dosage can actually make your body resistant.

Answer 2

The problem with diazepam (valium) is that it can have effects on your memory and you can also build a tolerance to it, in which case only adding more will make you feel better- but it is not a healthy choice.

Diazepam after bereavment for short term use is not neccessarily bad, it can just be dangerous if not closely monitored..

If you are living with chronic pain, you might want to talk with a doctor about taking a medication designed for that, such as neurontin or look into alternative cures. My excercise bike does wonders for my back, although it might sound strange. Clonopin and Ativan are also used fro stress and have fewer side effects an last longer.

Your loss has most likely made your symtoms worse (my dog is my baby- I would be a mess if something tragic happened to her). Maybe talking with someone could help. As far as chemical imbalances in the brain for long term use, I would imagine it does have a negative effect but I am not (yet) an expert in that area.
Good luck.

Answer 3

The anxiety is more likely to be linked to your bereavement than the diazepam. The diazepam is being prescribed to relax your muscles and does not lose it's effectiveness.
Rather than cause a chemical imbalance the drug causes a dependency but this is less likely at your dose and less likely when it's used as a muscle relaxant,
I think it would be a good idea for you to discuss your feelings with your GP, maybe just for reassurance, but there may be some help available.

Answer 4

diazepam..are getting the chop..i have been on them . for couple of years..now doc told me..there was research into them..and the test show that they only have effect for couple of weeks..and after that . people come depended on them.. plus they don,t have same effect....starting to use different drugs..