Opinions - Do you think I can get a valium prescription based on the following info?

[Spence_tricky]

So I've had sort of social anxiety issues since middle school...had a bad experience with bullying back then and as a result I tend to be pretty cold and distant from other people as well. Furthermore, I tend to be very anxious socially, like I often wonder how other people perceive me, and I break a sweat extremely easily out in public, even in cold weather. Furthermore, I can physically feel the muscle tension. This problem used to be very bad, like I would break out into that sweat everytime I went out, but it's gotten better over the years. I'm a lot more confident (some would say cocky) now, but still, every now and then the social anxiety comes back.

I've heard about Valium and how its less intense than Xanax. Based on the details above, do you think it warrants a Valium prescription? Not for everyday use, but for immediate release situations.

[miffytherabbit]

Originally Posted by Spence_tricky

So I've had sort of social anxiety issues since middle school...had a bad experience with bullying back then and as a result I tend to be pretty cold and distant from other people as well. Furthermore, I tend to be very anxious socially, like I often wonder how other people perceive me, and I break a sweat extremely easily out in public, even in cold weather. Furthermore, I can physically feel the muscle tension. This problem used to be very bad, like I would break out into that sweat everytime I went out, but it's gotten better over the years. I'm a lot more confident (some would say cocky) now, but still, every now and then the social anxiety comes back.

I've heard about Valium and how its less intense than Xanax. Based on the details above, do you think it warrants a Valium prescription? Not for everyday use, but for immediate release situations.

The problem with the concept of taking Diazepam on a when-needed basis is that you need a lot of self-discipline. Diazepam is a very fast acting benzodiazepine and, of course, if you are anxious it will make you feel better and in a happy place because the anxiety has been removed. A very common problem can then ensue when one can find more and more reasons to "need" to take a benzodiazepine, such as Diazepam. Then, very quickly a dependency can occur. I'm speaking from experience because I started out taking a benzodiazepine "when needed" and it turned into a dependency. Also, I considered myself to be a disciplined person, but the effects of benzodiazepines can be very compelling and it can fast get to the point where life does not feel normal unless one is taking it every day.

Another issue is if you approach a doctor and directly ask to be prescribed Diazepam, there is a real risk that you could become labeled as a "drug-seeker" and this is not something a person wants on their medical records. Having such a label can mean when one really needs a psychoactive drug for pain relief or anxiety, a doctor may feel much less inclined to prescribe. This can mean a person is left in distress or pain because of this stigma around those labeled, erroneously or otherwise, as drug-seekers.

My advice would be to see your doctor and explain your symptoms. Then if a doctor feels it's appropriate to commence treatment with a benzodiazepine, he will do so. IMHO the worst thing you could do is to straight-out ask your doctor for diazepam, for the reason mentioned above. I know this is certainly the case in the U.K, and I would imagine that many doctors in other countries would take the same view.

Reputation Comments on this Post:

Amazing post, good info and advice.

[UpperAndDowner]

Originally Posted by Spence_tricky

So I've had sort of social anxiety issues since middle school...had a bad experience with bullying back then and as a result I tend to be pretty cold and distant from other people as well. Furthermore, I tend to be very anxious socially, like I often wonder how other people perceive me, and I break a sweat extremely easily out in public, even in cold weather. Furthermore, I can physically feel the muscle tension. This problem used to be very bad, like I would break out into that sweat everytime I went out, but it's gotten better over the years. I'm a lot more confident (some would say cocky) now, but still, every now and then the social anxiety comes back.

I've heard about Valium and how its less intense than Xanax. Based on the details above, do you think it warrants a Valium prescription? Not for everyday use, but for immediate release situations.

Ok first off, SWIM is currently tapering off clonazepam, via diazepam taper schedule. He has has been on and can get any benzo from his doctor.

With that said, SWIM can tell you one thing:

"Being on benzos is like being on a one way train ride to FORGETmySELFland, until one day the train is no longer of use and is out of service".
In other words, benzos will work just fine and great, just dandy and perfect, until a CERTAIN POINT!
This is where the opportunity to ask your doctor to increase the dose! Once, again you can get back on that train...
but, sooner-then-later you'll realize these train stops are becoming shorter and shorter...
so, this is where you ask your doctor for refills.
Maybe even try to get them before the date is up,
you're going doctor-to-doctor,
might even visit the E.R a few times to either get more benzos,
or you're there because of a benzo withdrawal-induced seizure....

I mean, SWIM doesn't intend to rain on your parade here, but, if he could change anything in his life in the past 5 years, he says it would be to have refused to take those first few lorazepams for anxiety....

Anyhow, if there is no way you're willing to go another route regarding the anxiety problem (perhaps meditation, yoga, breathing exercises, herbal remedies...etc?) then the only logical benzos to choose from are ones with the shortest and I MEAN SHORTEST half-life...

SWIMs recommends:

- Lorazepam or Bromazepam

(that`s givnen you`re not a fan of xanax and clonazepam; since both are ultra potent... but then again so is lorazepam but at least they will satisfy your ACUTE need of anxiety relief.

Now, if you had panic attacks and were convulsive during these acute episodes, you could have gotten the good stuff like Halcion. :P

Anyhow, good luck with this decision.

[coolhandluke]

the doctor would most likely want to put you on some kind of anti depressant first, at least ive found thats what many try to do initially. though for your case i would think since you only feel the need for them from time to time taking an anti depressant for anxiety daily would not be worth it. i personally do not like anti depressants and get side effects from them that i dont like.

i take clonazepam daily for insomnia. 2-3 mg per night along with 5 mg of ambien. it works very well for me and i dont consider it a one way death trip to hell at all. ive been on and off all kinds of different sleeping meds since i was 14 and ive found this combo works very well for me. what keeps me up is my mind races so fast. i dont listen to music AT ALL anymore because it gets stuck in my head and will keep me up all night. anyway the clonazepam or other benzos are the only thing that slow my mind enough for me to sleep.

for me i would not be able to function with out them. get to sleep at night, work in the morning. it would be hell.

anyway i would talk to your doctor and see what they think. they have the most expertise. some are more willing to prescribe benzo's than others. the fact that you would be taking it only 2-3 times a week, i think the negatives would not out way the positives, but with an anti depressant i would think taking it daily may cause enough negative side effects they may not want to try that.

any way its the doctors decision but that is my two cents.

[luckyeppie]

The main problem with diazepam for anxiety, apart from physical dependancy, is that you build up tolerance really quickly. In the UK, doctors are reluctant to give more than 2mg 3x daily and then only for 3 weeks, to avoid dependance. But what you'll find if you take it often enough, or even with a break of several months, that 2mg, 4mg, 6mg, wont do a thing for you, even 10mg, which is the maximum recommended single dose doesn't work if you're really anxious, because the tolerance happens so quickly and is so long lasting.

Then you will be left with the same anxiety you started with. If you do manage to get a longer prescription, they still wont help you much and then if you try to come off them, you'll likely feel even more anxious than you were before - there is a lot of evidence that long term benzo use actually increases anxiety.

Some SSRI antidepressants may help after a few weeks but they have a lot of side effects and they dont address the reasons why you are socially anxious - the only way to properly address that is to get some good psychodynamic therapy. This is the best way to look after your long term mental and physical health. Good luck and take care x

[coolhandluke]

i think it depends if the person has a true anxiety disorder, or if they are under circumstances where depression and their life are making them anxious. depending on your symptoms the doctor could perscribe you very very heavy doses of benzo's if he thinks you have a severe anxiety disorder. if you are having anxiety from issues linked to your social life that is a whole different story.

it really is the doctor who has the final say. tell him everything you feel. dont suggest using diazepam, but tell him your feelings and why they happen. they will be able to know if you have a serious social anxiety disorder, or if you are experiencing social anxiety due to other reasons.

it is much more complex than what the doc will give you. it is a matter of what mental issues are u suffering from and what is the best course of treatment.

Reputation Comments on this Post:

Social anxiety is not a disease! It can be cured with good therapy

[mojo606]

Originally Posted by Spence_tricky

So I've had sort of social anxiety issues since middle school...had a bad experience with bullying back then and as a result I tend to be pretty cold and distant from other people as well. Furthermore, I tend to be very anxious socially, like I often wonder how other people perceive me, and I break a sweat extremely easily out in public, even in cold weather. Furthermore, I can physically feel the muscle tension. This problem used to be very bad, like I would break out into that sweat everytime I went out, but it's gotten better over the years. I'm a lot more confident (some would say cocky) now, but still, every now and then the social anxiety comes back.

I've heard about Valium and how its less intense than Xanax. Based on the details above, do you think it warrants a Valium prescription? Not for everyday use, but for immediate release situations.

your anxiety will get better but benzos make emotional very cold and change your personality.

[Smeg]

Further to other excellent replies. I would like to suggest that what you are seeking is change. It seems clear from your post that you are sick and tired of feelings that have been put there because of an invalidating environment in the past.
I am referring to the bullying that you suffered. It seems to me that your present feelings ARE valid because of this emotional trauma.

Other posters have pointed out the possible folly of using diazepam when there are reasons that you can positively identify as causing your difficulties. I can definitely see why you would want to take a pill to temporarily remove the problems you are encountering.

My suggestion would be to visit your doctor, and explain in detail why you feel the way you do, and ask explicitly for help in the form of some kind of talking therapy that can help to validate your feelings, and bring about change without adding the complication of using an addictive drug.
All the best to you.

Reputation Comments on this Post:

Excellent advice

[psyche]

Originally Posted by miffytherabbit

The problem with the concept of taking Diazepam on a when-needed basis is that you need a lot of self-discipline. Diazepam is a very fast acting benzodiazepine and, of course, if you are anxious it will make you feel better and in a happy place because the anxiety has been removed. A very common problem can then ensue when one can find more and more reasons to "need" to take a benzodiazepine, such as Diazepam. Then, very quickly a dependency can occur. I'm speaking from experience because I started out taking a benzodiazepine "when needed" and it turned into a dependency. Also, I considered myself to be a disciplined person, but the effects of benzodiazepines can be very compelling and it can fast get to the point where life does not feel normal unless one is taking it every day.

Very informative post, but diazepam is not a fast acting benzo. That is why it isn't prescribed for anxiety attacks other than as a preventive measure, when you can take it well before a situation you know will be stressful. Xanax is a fast acting benzo, and it is intended to be taken when you are feeling a panic attack coming on.

Spence_tricky, since you acknowledge the roots of the problem so well, I would recommend first trying simple visit to a psychologist or otherwise talking it through with someone. Medicalisation isn't the best first step, in the long rung it tends to instill one with the idea that something is permanently wrong with them, simply because the drugs mask the symptoms but don't address the reasons.