Long-term Valium use?

[Zero]

I've been taking Valium for a few weeks and I find that it does help with the spasms. An added benefit is that it also takes the edge off anxiety. Is this something I can take long-term? I'm told there is some risk of addiction but if it continues to help my symptoms, has not long-term side effects, and doesn't require ever-increasing doses, then wouldn't it be okay to stay on it indefinitely?

[Broknwing]

as I understand it, there is no medical cause for concern with long term valium use...your body could become dependant on it, but that is different than becomming addicted to it...your body is probably dependant on some of the other meds you are on already...it's not necesarily a bad thing...

[SCI-Nurse]

Small doses in moderation. Just don't keep upping the dose-good to hear that hasn't been necessary. Valium does have a long half life so there can be an accumulation and of course shouldn't be taken with alcohol , other narcotics and sedatives etc.. Also, need to wean yourself off slowly if you take it for a long period of time and decide to stop it .


CWO

[Sue Pendleton]

It can cause some memory problems but nothing spectacular. I went way down slowly to 5 mg total a day for awhile and then the burn came back from way way back in rehab. I started it for spasms the burn was gone. Why it came back just as I had gone from 15 to 20mg a day to 5 split in 2 over about a month I don't know. I'm back to 5mg twice a day. When I compare it to sleeping through baclofen, dantrium and zanaflex days and still spazed all night, well, I think being slightly absent minded isn't all that bad. But yea, watch upping the dose.

[Zero]

It can cause some memory problems but nothing spectacular. I went way down slowly to 5 mg total a day for awhile and then the burn came back from way way back in rehab. I started it for spasms the burn was gone. Why it came back just as I had gone from 15 to 20mg a day to 5 split in 2 over about a month I don't know. I'm back to 5mg twice a day. When I compare it to sleeping through baclofen, dantrium and zanaflex days and still spazed all night, well, I think being slightly absent minded isn't all that bad. But yea, watch upping the dose.

I usually take two, sometimes three 5mg a day, in addition to baclofen. I took zanaflex for a while but it knocked me out so hard I almost felt comatose, so I think I'll stick with the Valium for the time being, thanks everyone.

[tasty]

I've been taking 5-10 mg of Valium (Diazepam) for 35 years. I have never noticed side effects. However, do not stop taking it all at once, should the need arise. You will need to ween yourself off it by reducing it gradually.

[Kathi49]

Since you all are talking about this...I have a question.

I have taken Klonopin .05 ONCE a day for the last 3 years or so for small fiber PN. It has helped considerably with the burning sensations. I also have had two cervical fusions. Well, the past few weeks I have been doing too much and I think I aggravated the C6/C7 nerve root(s). Either that or the disc is blown but I don't think so. Anyway, my spinal pain management doctor was on call Saturday and I talked with him. He, of course, suggested another cervical MRI to see if there are any changes. And also prescribed a Methylprednisolone Dosepak to take down any inflammation, etc.

BUT...he also said I could take some Valium. And I hate to admit it but I just love Valium for muscle spasms....of which I have a lot! I have just stayed away from it because of taking Klonopin. But he says there is not an issue. Well, I never took one full 5 mg pill of the Valium, but I did take 1/4 of a tablet. And it helped considerably as well. Anyway, this is just for short term...for right now.

But I do have a question. My Neurologist has yet to tell me how to wean off the Klonopin and go straight to the Valium. I have read about how to do it and I don't take all that much Klonopin....as I said, just .05 once a day. All the docs think it is no big deal...I should be able to come off it fairly easily. But I have heard horror stories and am fearful. So, how would one go from that dosage of Klonopin to Valium and wean successfully without any withdrawals? I may be worrying for nothing...but again, I have heard some terrible stories. Anyway, I don't want to take TWO benzos. So, are they alike? Similar properties? Act the same way? I just keep getting conflicting information.

Oh, and my Neurologist just says...up the Klonopin. But I am really afraid to do that.

[Sue Pendleton]

From my own experience early on and friends now, most docs tend to prescribe klonopin for pain and valium for spasms and/or anxiety. So I can see a doc prescribing both concurrently for certain circumstances. Have you let your neuro know how you feel about taking both? There may be one drug that handles both problems by now. Or talk to another one of your docs and see what she/he says.

[Michaela]

I also take clonazapam (Klonipin) 1 mg/x2 daily. It helps relax my neck and reduce the anxiety I experience almost daily. I've run out early on several occassions & never experienced any sort of withdrawal symptoms. I've been taking k-pin for ~ 6months, more or less and I believe it helps me. My Dr said it's in the same class asvalium only k-pin is longer lasting.

M.

[cass]

well, been taking valium (5 mg pills) as needed for over 20 yrs. never take more than 10 mg at a time and don't use it daily. never felt addicted; in fact, it doesn't do much. i don't even understand how one gets addicted to such a mild drug.

alcohol...well, not in one gulp with valium but due to pain, alcohol is a daily part of my life (in the evening after work). in over 20 years, nothing else i've tried has helped, so...one does what one can to get thru.

my dad had parkinson's and was nervous all the time. he was scared of valium due to doctors telling him this nonsense. he would have been better taking some, imo.

[SCI-Nurse]

Cass, there is a major difference between physical dependence (common in long term Valium use) and addiction (which is a medical and psychiatric problelm which can also occur with benzos).

Many people take much more Valium on a regular basis than you do. Those who do are at major risk for serious and even life threatening withdrawal syndomes if they stop Valium suddenly. It is much more dangerous than sudden withdrawal from opioids such as morphine or even heroin.

Valium has been implicated in worsening depression and interfering with the emotional work needed to cope with and deal emotionally with life events such as a SCI, which are two of the reasons that this medication should not be the first choice in management of spasticity in SCI, but it can be used if monitored closely.

(KLD)

[tasty]

Cass, my thoughts mirrored yours. To make a long story short, I didn't think that Valium (Diazepam) was doing anything for me, so I stopped it abruptly. One less med, I thought. There were no changes for a couple days, but at night, just as I was about to doze off, I would experience what felt like a mild electrical current which would cause a spasm in my arm or somewhere else, constantly awakening me. I couldn't figure out what was happening for several nights until I remembered discontinuing the Valium. I immediately got out of bed and took ten mgs, and the episodes stopped. I generally only take 5mgs per night, but I have used it since rehab in 1972. Needless to say, I'm still using it, 5-10mgs per night.

[Kathi49]

Thanks All,

I should clarify. The Klonopin was prescribed for small fiber peripheral neuropathy when NOTHING else worked or the SE's were too great. It was amazing to me how the burning sensations went way down. The Valium was prescribed for short term after my cervical fusions. But because I have been having spasms again (I think more neck issues), my PM said to go ahead and take Valium for just this past week to get me through it. Today I had a CT scan and will know more next week as to what is going on.

Anyway, my question is still...how do you go from .05 of Klonopin ONCE a day to Valium? What is the equivalency? Isn't it dangerous to combine the two? Oh, and I never really have to take a full 5mg of Valium either. Just a smidge does the trick. I guess I should probably just up the Klonopin but I really don't want to do that.

[cass]

Cass, my thoughts mirrored yours. To make a long story short, I didn't think that Valium (Diazepam) was doing anything for me, so I stopped it abruptly. One less med, I thought. There were no changes for a couple days, but at night, just as I was about to doze off, I would experience what felt like a mild electrical current which would cause a spasm in my arm or somewhere else, constantly awakening me. I couldn't figure out what was happening for several nights until I remembered discontinuing the Valium. I immediately got out of bed and took ten mgs, and the episodes stopped. I generally only take 5mgs per night, but I have used it since rehab in 1972. Needless to say, I'm still using it, 5-10mgs per night.

interesting. i don't take it daily so can't speak to that. i take it maybe 3 times/week when the pain is really bad. it doesn't do much. and i'm sensitive to meds. but, as kld said, a lot of ppl take much higher dosages so i guess that's where the trouble lies.

[barondidit]

I switched from baclofen to valium. i was up to 90 mg of baclofen a day. It wasnt working. I have really strong spasms. I tried a vallium and was shocked as, my spasms stopped and i fealt better. my mood was uplifted and the baclofen nightmares (trully bad dreams) stopped. I had a little bit of a problem with getting an rx for them.. I have been taking 20-30 mg a day for over a YEAR and a half. I to see this as a pretty mild drug, especialy compared to 90 mg a day of baclofen. i have run out early b4..lost my script once(washed them...long story) and never had any "life theatening" backlashes. Besides having my "normal" harsh spasms.
what are these DANGEROous side effects of coming off them sci nurse?
I remember asking on this site b4 i started the switch. Most people didnt suggest it. Im glad i DIDNT take their advice(this time...)
B

[adi chicago]

everyone is diffrent regarding meds and side effects.valium is the cheapest one...for some works ..for some not.it worked for me but for a short period of time ...i am afraid to increase the dosage from 10 mg ...so i stoped taking valium .

[Hunker]

I take 40mg's at once with beer and wine later. Then I have fun. My life is great. If I quit no big deal it just suxs.

[adi chicago]

I take 40mg's at once with beer and wine later. Then I have fun. My life is great. If I quit no big deal it just suxs.
hunker are you back again....nice to know my friend,

[SCI-Nurse]

You should always discontinue most meds, especiay sedatives, pain pills, antidepressants by cutting down slowly on them over several weeks, especially on high doses.


CWO