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Can Valium Be Taken In Place Of Xanax?

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Posted on Mon, 8 May 2017
Question: I have been using alprazolam for about 2 monyhs and it simply is not effective I take .05 mg twice a day.
would switching to something like valium be a better choice?
doctor
Answered by Dr. Alexander H. Sheppe (1 hour later)
Brief Answer:
Consultation

Detailed Answer:
Hello, and thanks for your question.

Xanax and Valium are benzodiazepine medications, and should NOT be used in people older than 65, due to high risk of delirium, falls, fractures, memory loss, and rapid addiction.

Instead, a much safer and more effective medication for anxiety would be a SSRI medication such as sertraline or escitalopram. I would talk to your doctor about switching to one of these.

Let me know if I can assist you further.

Please remember to rate and close this answer thread when you are finished and satisfied.

In the future, for continuity of care, I encourage you to contact me directly at my private web address below. After you ask a direct question, it would be my pleasure to be your dedicated personal physician on this website. My name is Dr. Sheppe, and I am an XXXXXXX doctor working in New York City at NewYork-Presbyterian Hospital, ranked #1 for Psychiatry in the United States (tinyurl.com/psyrank). For a personalized comprehensive evaluation, treatment recommendations, and individual therapy, ask me at HealthCareMagic at this private web address: tinyurl.com/DrSheppeAnswers
Note: For further guidance on mental health, Click here.

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Arnab Banerjee
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Answered by
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Dr. Alexander H. Sheppe

Psychiatrist

Practicing since :2014

Answered : 2236 Questions

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Can Valium Be Taken In Place Of Xanax?

Brief Answer: Consultation Detailed Answer: Hello, and thanks for your question. Xanax and Valium are benzodiazepine medications, and should NOT be used in people older than 65, due to high risk of delirium, falls, fractures, memory loss, and rapid addiction. Instead, a much safer and more effective medication for anxiety would be a SSRI medication such as sertraline or escitalopram. I would talk to your doctor about switching to one of these. Let me know if I can assist you further. Please remember to rate and close this answer thread when you are finished and satisfied. In the future, for continuity of care, I encourage you to contact me directly at my private web address below. After you ask a direct question, it would be my pleasure to be your dedicated personal physician on this website. My name is Dr. Sheppe, and I am an XXXXXXX doctor working in New York City at NewYork-Presbyterian Hospital, ranked #1 for Psychiatry in the United States (tinyurl.com/psyrank). For a personalized comprehensive evaluation, treatment recommendations, and individual therapy, ask me at HealthCareMagic at this private web address: tinyurl.com/DrSheppeAnswers