I'm somewhat surprised that I can't find anything in the Anxiety section about benzodiazepine medications. Those include diazepam (Valium) and alprazolam (Xanax), among others.
I know that some psychiatrists and other doctors are reluctant to prescribe benzodiazepines, especially to teens and young adults. Benzodiazepines can create physical dependence (although technically not "addiction"), and Valium got a bad name in the 1970s because it was heavily overprescribed--doctors would hand it out simply to people cope with normal stress.
However, I've found Valium to be extremely beneficial. In the past, my anxiety had been misdiagnosed as depression, and so I got put on both Paxil and Prozac. Neither one worked--they just gave me side effects. But Valium works for me and makes me feel "normal." It mellows me out and keeps me from worrying about things that I shouldn't worry about. It also seems to with social anxiety. Yet I always feel that I'm still in control--it doesn't make me "high," and I don't want to be high.
The only negative side effect is that sometimes it makes me a little clumsy, but then, I'm naturally clumsy. It just makes that problem a tiny bit worse. :-) On balance, I'm willing to put up with it in exchange for the benefits.
So far I haven't noticed any dependence, and I've been on Valium for two months. In fact, I've gone some days without taking a dose. However, I do know that some people have gotten really hooked on it, so I do believe it is a genuine concern.
Has anyone else been prescribed a benzodiazepine?
~~MANDALYNN~~
01-27-03 3:54 AM
I have. I know its crazy to find info on these drugs but webmd.com has alot of info maybe go check it out. I have been diagnosed with alot of things and the docts still don't know what is wrong with me so trust me I know how that goes. But I have panic Attacks and stuff it sucks and I have taken valium before and I thought it worked so much better than all the other meds I have been on but of course the docs took me off it :-( But I would look on webmd.co and it will tell you probably eveything you need to know about the different priscriptions.
ebony
11-17-03 8:52 AM
you can buy them over the counter at a drug store (ex:walgreens) I bought them there before.
State Versus Local Dumbasses
09-22-07 6:17 AM
Ok, let's start from point one, these aren't illegal drugs, however you may seem high to other law enforcement if you are commiting traffic violations. This is sense right here, don't drive and operate any kind of machinery that may get you in trouble. Xanax isn't a psyc rophic drug, however if you take say 2 2mg tablets it will make you tired, except in my case it did when I had the rages when I went and destructed property. These are more to calm nerves, and Xanax is used by about three-million americans. Valium is more stronger than Xanax, but has cruel side effects that may affect anyone that takes it. Benifits may outweigh the risks. RX might not be the you need. Good Luck.
State Versus Local Dumbasses
09-22-07 6:18 AM
It is a good thing that you have a positive outlook on it all.
State Versus Local Dumbasses
09-22-07 6:24 AM
There is more Anxiety Medications rather than Xanax or Valium. Like I said, talk to your prescriber see his/her point of view. I don't know a whole lot about every medication under the sun, but I have dealt with more severe cases of psychiatric problems. I'm not a nurse. I'm more of a cop. I can't go any farther on this, do what the sam hill the Nurse, Anesthesiologist, or whoever tells you what th heck to do. Good, now go get your fate tiger, so you can get your back into your living.
Emily The Brave
01-27-08 7:06 PM
Since I have had a diagnosis of Asperger's Syndrome since I was two years old, I have been prescribe many and I am talking about as many extant or rather under the sun. There were voluminous adverse effects and did not cure the obsessive and behaviors associated with my disorder. My doctor just didn't care whether or not I had effects critical enough to impact my life as well as my well being to the future. I wish you the best of luck on these medications and I hope they work for you. -Emily
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people cope with normal stress. 
rophic drug, however if you take say 2 2mg tablets it will make you tired, except in my case it did when I had the rages when I went and destructed property. These are more to calm nerves, and Xanax is used by about three-million americans. Valium is more stronger than Xanax, but has cruel side effects that may affect anyone that takes it. Benifits may outweigh the risks. RX might not be the