Long-term Valium use?

[Lazlo]

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.

[Lazlo]

Originally Posted by 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.

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.