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Suggest Treatment For Chronic Sinusitis And Anxiety Attacks
Question: I have been prescribed 5mg Diazapam earlier this year by my GP for anxiety and panic attacks I was getting after a break up with my partner. I used it for about five days and then stopped.
I have now, for the past five months developed a chronic sinusitis problems, and from it, have been getting daily anxiety and panic attacks. I have started taking the diazapam again 9the last 3 days), however I want to limit it so i do not develop an addiction or tolerance (as i have read on the internet that you can become addicted to it very easily)
My question is, how long can I take diazapam for, before it will start becoming a problem? at the moment I take 1 5mg tablet a night just before bed. Should i limit this to a few times a week? should I take it everyday? how long can I take it before i will start experiencing withdrawal symptoms?
If i do experience withdrawal symptoms, do i need to slowly taper off? e.g. taking half a tablet for a few days before stopping completely?
I have also been taking phenibut to help me sleep. Is it possible to mix both diazapam and phenibut? or should this be avoided?
Also, I was given Xanax as well, as apparently it starts working a lot quicker and makes you less drowsy. However I found, that after taking the xanax at night, the next day i felt very depressed, and had a bit of a breakdown later on that afternoon. Is this a common reaction to xanax? It really scared me so I havn't taken it since. I have not had this problem with valium though. Could it have been a result of something else?
Thanks
I have now, for the past five months developed a chronic sinusitis problems, and from it, have been getting daily anxiety and panic attacks. I have started taking the diazapam again 9the last 3 days), however I want to limit it so i do not develop an addiction or tolerance (as i have read on the internet that you can become addicted to it very easily)
My question is, how long can I take diazapam for, before it will start becoming a problem? at the moment I take 1 5mg tablet a night just before bed. Should i limit this to a few times a week? should I take it everyday? how long can I take it before i will start experiencing withdrawal symptoms?
If i do experience withdrawal symptoms, do i need to slowly taper off? e.g. taking half a tablet for a few days before stopping completely?
I have also been taking phenibut to help me sleep. Is it possible to mix both diazapam and phenibut? or should this be avoided?
Also, I was given Xanax as well, as apparently it starts working a lot quicker and makes you less drowsy. However I found, that after taking the xanax at night, the next day i felt very depressed, and had a bit of a breakdown later on that afternoon. Is this a common reaction to xanax? It really scared me so I havn't taken it since. I have not had this problem with valium though. Could it have been a result of something else?
Thanks
Brief Answer:
Consultation
Detailed Answer:
Hello, and thanks very much for your premium question.
You are right to be concerned with becoming addicted to Valium (diazepam) and Xanax. These medications can be addicting, and after taking them for a long time people can certainly go through withdrawal, which can be dangerous and sometimes life-threatening.
I recommend only taking benzodiazepines for about 6 weeks total, on a daily basis, and no more. Taking them longer than 6 weeks runs the risk of developing an addiction. You can take them every day if you wish. But I would limit it to 6 weeks.
For panic/anxiety, the best treatment is an SSRI antidepressant (such as Zoloft, Lexapro, or Prozac) along with therapy. Because it can take up to 6 weeks for the antidepressant to fully kick in, Valium is good for this time period to help you, but should then be discontinued.
I would definitely not mix Valium and Phenibut, as these can lead to respiratory depression which can be very dangerous.
Tapering off Valium should be done carefully under the supervision of a doctor because abrupt stoppage can lead to withdrawal which can in some cases be deadly. A slow 25% decrease every 2 weeks is typical.
I never prescribe Xanax. It is the most addictive benzodiazepine and, as you describe, can cause rebound anxiety and even depressed mood. I would avoid it.
I do provide therapy at my private link below if you are interested.
In the future, for continuity of care, I encourage you to contact me at my private link below, because we receive nearly double the payment from this website for direct questions, and after asking 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, or individual therapy, ask me at HealthCareMagic at this private link: tinyurl.com/DrSheppeAnswers
Consultation
Detailed Answer:
Hello, and thanks very much for your premium question.
You are right to be concerned with becoming addicted to Valium (diazepam) and Xanax. These medications can be addicting, and after taking them for a long time people can certainly go through withdrawal, which can be dangerous and sometimes life-threatening.
I recommend only taking benzodiazepines for about 6 weeks total, on a daily basis, and no more. Taking them longer than 6 weeks runs the risk of developing an addiction. You can take them every day if you wish. But I would limit it to 6 weeks.
For panic/anxiety, the best treatment is an SSRI antidepressant (such as Zoloft, Lexapro, or Prozac) along with therapy. Because it can take up to 6 weeks for the antidepressant to fully kick in, Valium is good for this time period to help you, but should then be discontinued.
I would definitely not mix Valium and Phenibut, as these can lead to respiratory depression which can be very dangerous.
Tapering off Valium should be done carefully under the supervision of a doctor because abrupt stoppage can lead to withdrawal which can in some cases be deadly. A slow 25% decrease every 2 weeks is typical.
I never prescribe Xanax. It is the most addictive benzodiazepine and, as you describe, can cause rebound anxiety and even depressed mood. I would avoid it.
I do provide therapy at my private link below if you are interested.
In the future, for continuity of care, I encourage you to contact me at my private link below, because we receive nearly double the payment from this website for direct questions, and after asking 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, or individual therapy, ask me at HealthCareMagic at this private link: tinyurl.com/DrSheppeAnswers
Note: In case of any other concern or query related to prevention, evaluation, diagnosis, treatment, or the recovery of persons with the any type of addiction or substance use, follow up with our Addiction Medicine Specialist. Click here to book a consultation now.
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