diazepam for stuttering?

Question

can i use diazepam for my suttering problem?.. since I believe that anxiety causes my stutter.. thanks!

Answer 1

A number of drugs have been reported to reduce stuttering. (1,2) One of these drugs is alprazolam (Xanax), an antianxiety agent. Included also are citalopram (Celexa), a selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor, and clomipramine (Anafranil), another strongly serotonergic drug. All three of three of these agents reduce stuttering in selective patients. However, only a minority of patients who stutter respond with increased fluency to any of these drugs. Those who do respond usually show only a very modest reduction in stuttering. We believe that adults with severe stuttering may require two medications, one directed at each component of the disorder.

To test this hypothesis, we undertook the treatment of Dr. A., a 57-year-old physician with a severe stutter since age 4 years. He scored 6 (severe stutter) on the 7-point scale for rating the severity of stuttering. (3) He had tried numerous medications and therapy programs over the years, but had obtained only minimal improvement in his speech. His response to the combination of alprazolam (1.0 mg twice daily) and citalopram (10 mg at bedtime) was prompt and dramatic. We could detect only traces of his former impediment. Family, friends, and colleagues have all spontaneously noted and remarked on his greatly increased fluency. Dr. A. reports that he now speaks out in many situations where previously he said little out of fear of stuttering. His score on the Stuttering Rating Scale decreased from 6 to 2 (mild stutter). In his 20th week of treatment, Dr. A. continued to improve. With this great reduction in stuttering, his anticipatory anxiety has greatly reduced, making it possible to gradually discontinue his alprozolam use. However, the citalopram (reducing the core symptoms of stuttering) remains necessary (20 mg at bedtime).

We have treated three additional men with severe stuttering in this manner. Two reported experiencing fewer side effects with clomipramine (100 mg at bedtime) and will continue with this agent. The third patient reported fewer side effects with citalopram (20 mg at bedtime) and will continue with this drug. All three showed marked improvement in their speech on the Stuttering Rating Scale (from 6-6.5 before treatment to 1.5-2 with treatment). All three continue to take alprazolam as well (1 mg twice daily).

References:

Brady JP. The pharmacology of stuttering: a critical review. Am J Psychiatry 1991;1448: pages 1309-16.
Brady JP, Rynn M. Stuttering: current pharmacological options. CNS Drugs 1994;1: 261-268.
Johnson W., Darley F.L., Spriesterback D.C. Scale for rating severity of stuttering.In: Diagnostic methods in speech pathology. New York: Harper and Row, 1963

Answer 2

Hello. Stuttering has been linked to genetic factors and is heightened by ANY type of ADRENALINE in one s system (anxiety is just one example) which causes the vocal folds to spasm, producing the sound of a stutter.

Having said this, I used to have general anxiety before extensive speech therapy and took Diazepam to help. Many years later, I have tamed my anxiety but every so often will take a dose. Diazepam is also used to treat seizures as it has an affect on muscle spasms.

Since stuttering is a type of muscle spasm, I have found that my stuttering is less severe when I am on it. It should be noted that it is not prescribed as a treatment for stuttering at this time - this has just been my personal experience as a life long stutterer.

Answer 3

Xanax For Stuttering

Answer 4

Sure if you want to sleep all time! I would check with your Dr. (just call the office and talk to the nurse). There are some medications that are less sedating.

Answer 5

I don't know, but why don't you ask Eva at http://groups.myspace.com/stutteringfoundation. She stutters and has made it her platform in beauty pageants.

Answer 6

i think it is not a best choice. i think u should try xanapam 1 mg daily.will treat your anxiety