Diazepam-HELP?


Question:
I have been taking 40mg of citalopram for my depression for 2 years now and diazepam 5mg-6 daily for 18months for a mulitude of anxiety disorders incl PTSD. I am under psychatric care. When i discuss with my doctor or psychologist the length of time i have been taking such high doses of diazepam and coming off them they just ask me if i want to be like i used to be, which i definately do not. However why do i keep reading that this is a short term drug to be used for 6-8 weeks only and if so why is it that i'm still on them? Also i know i must be addicted to them by now and that's scary. I only seem to get a vague answer to that one from my doctor! I keep taking them because i'm told i need to, and i am still very phobic and stressed but surely there has to be a longer term sedative available to use?

Answers:
diazepam can be a depressant.
ask about xanax. XR extended release.
it's better than diazepam and doesn't have the building up a tolerance affect.

I'd ask for a 2nd opinion from a doctor not in the same medical group.

you know your body, no you don't want to go back to the way you were, but who says you will? for PTSD, they can give you zoloft or paxil for panic.
it's very effective and then use the xanax or valium for major anxiety.

seek a 2nd and 3rd opinon, if your doctor says, do you want to go back the way you were, they are not open to other treatment options.

are you seeing a talk therapist as well? with any disorder, medication alone isn't the do all cure all, you need support and a talk therapist. don't issolate yourself with this one doctor who thinks you have to do it their way or you will go back to the way you were.

A doctor's role is to help you heal, relax, and feel better, not make you feel like you are an addict. have you talked to your doctor about feeling like an addict.

do see another psyychatric care physican for a 2nd opinion.
it's called a "MEDICATION EVALUATION".

i wish you the very best.
every doctor treats differently.
so keep on keeping on till you find someone you are completely comfortable with.

REMEMBER, THE DOCTOR WORKS FOR YOU!
you can fire or hire a new doctor!
YOU are in control of your life, and what goes into your body
**do not stop your meds w/o seeking another doctor's opion!***
diazepam is a "benzo" class drug, and is addictive in that one needs a higher and higher dose over time to achieve the same effect. If your doctor won't talk about the addiction aspect of diazepam, consider seeing another doctor.
I was taking a benzo - clonazapam for 10 yrs! I had NO idea I was addicted 2 this stuff. When i tried 2 stop the med. Omg the anxiety n withdrawls. Detox was needed 2 get me off the drug n a lot of patience on my part not 2 reach 4 it - I was so used 2 taking it 4 anxiety I didnt know how 2 handle the anxiety it also caused 2 come off it ! B very careful stopping it. It is in ur best interest 2 stop it tho. I was so afraid 2 not take it - I didnt realize what it was like 2 not b on it. The withdrawals tho r physically painful as well. I was upset with the realization that this drug messed me up in a lot of ways ... It is only 2 b used 4 a short period of time. Idk y my Dr. perscripted such an addictive drug 4 all those years... There r other drugs that will help with anxiety - I have not found the rite mix yet - so I can only tell u what ive been thro thus far. The only reason I got off this med was because i was in hospital 4 accidental overdose (i took the clonazapam Always - taken as directed! (so i didnt know i was doing something wrong) But 2 much alcohol n benzo - No good. I hope I helped - thats my scary story. Best of Luck 2 u - U can even email me if u want ...

Edit: I agree with the answer above me ... Time 4 a new Dr. !
It makes me sick 2 read what u wrote about what that Dr. says 2 u about ur concerns - Wow ! In the hospital they compared my Dr basically 2 a licensed Dr dealer ... I mean nervous 24-7 that i needed the drug n if i didnt take it - the shakes ... thats addiction -- wow 2gether with Anxiety -- Recipe 4 disaster. Not sure what was worse.
Best wishes ...
Keep taking the pills dear
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