![[dr. bob]](/dr-bob-sm.gif)
Dr. Bob is Robert Hsiung, MD,
bob@dr-bob.orgShown: posts 1 to 5 of 5. This is the beginning of the thread.
Posted by JohnM on October 21, 2000, at 8:32:03
What is the bottom line on long-term use of Valium (5-10 years or more)? I took it for a few years, then I tried stopping for a while. Taking a pill 3-4 times a day didn't feel natural. During the time of being off of Valium, I really struggled. I just felt neurotic and was reluctant to make social contact. I've tried 7 anti-depressants but none of them agreed with me. Anyway, I'm taking Valium again.
I always see warnings on how benzodiazepines are addictive/habit forming. Well I could say I agree with that--but I'd have to include a side note: When I first started taking Valium (at age 22), it was like the biggest weight was taken off my shoulders. A weight that I had carried since probably junior high school. I felt normal! I felt good! I was able to socialize well with others. I could stand up for myself when treated poorly. Granted, I could have had a better philosophy of life and better social skills in those "earlier days," which could have helped me cope with the often difficult world--but that's water under the bridge. Needless to say I've worked hard to learn and practice rational-emotive theory (a cognitive psychology) and it has made me tougher and more realistic.
Nevertheless, at this time, I still find I don't feel normal and clear in my head without a tranquilizer. And I'm not about to hang out in an AA meetings the rest of my life so they can pat me on the back and tell me I'm alright (been there, done that).
Please excuse my ramblings. I guess I just have a guilty conscience about my "dependency" on tranquilizers. I hope science makes a breakthough into the treatments of mental disorders; in the meanwhile I feel like I'm biding my time.
But back to my question: does anyone have insights into the long-term use of Valium or perhaps can think of some alternatives? Any input would be greatly appreciated.
Posted by stjames on October 21, 2000, at 15:23:57
In reply to What's the bottom line on long-term use of Valium?, posted by JohnM on October 21, 2000, at 8:32:03
If it is working don't mess with it.
james
Posted by GLYN on October 21, 2000, at 19:17:51
In reply to Re: What's the bottom line on long-term use of Valium?, posted by stjames on October 21, 2000, at 15:23:57
So you are dependant on valium is that such a bad thing. I take an inhaler every day of my life for asthma and always will. My mum has been on Valium since the 60's and she hasn't had any health problems etc - in fact I suspect that since stress is a major contributor in cancer and other illnesses you might fair better than most of us.
I would only worry if you develop a tolerance which results in more and more pills. As James says, if it works and you are happy then great, why stop.
I understand you dont feel natural but then I dont believe there is such a thing as natural anyway. Otters build damns and they are natural we build cities and they are unnatural. As humans we are part of nature and so if we produce something them surely it is also part of nature.
I know a guy who has to have bran every day for breakfast or else he has "troubles" if you knwo what I mean. I suppose he too is hooked.
Your lucky, I live in the UK where Docs think Benzos are from Satan himself. I'd give my right arm for stack of Benzos.
I suggest you get a T-shirt printed that says "Valium powered" or "Benzo Babe" and wear it with pride.
Glyn
Posted by R.Anne on October 21, 2000, at 19:48:31
In reply to Re: What's the bottom line on long-term use of Valium?, posted by GLYN on October 21, 2000, at 19:17:51
Hi. I don't know exactly what to say. A lot has been said already. I just wanted to say that I, too, take a benzo. when I feel especially anxious. I take ativan and have wondered if I should or not. I'm not willing to give them up as I have a severe anxiety problem. The only thing I do to try and not feel bad about it is to only take them when I have the bad anxiety. I take antidepressants too that work on anxiety-daily. I probably take the ativan a few times every couple of weeks. I just don't worry about it that way. I also have a very low dose or cut it in half at times. Hope I have been of some help. I really don't know what happens with long term use. I've been taking ativan for 3 years-that's pretty long. Maybe you could try it, too, it's not as strong as valium.
> So you are dependant on valium is that such a bad thing. I take an inhaler every day of my life for asthma and always will. My mum has been on Valium since the 60's and she hasn't had any health problems etc - in fact I suspect that since stress is a major contributor in cancer and other illnesses you might fair better than most of us.
>
> I would only worry if you develop a tolerance which results in more and more pills. As James says, if it works and you are happy then great, why stop.
>
> I understand you dont feel natural but then I dont believe there is such a thing as natural anyway. Otters build damns and they are natural we build cities and they are unnatural. As humans we are part of nature and so if we produce something them surely it is also part of nature.
>
> I know a guy who has to have bran every day for breakfast or else he has "troubles" if you knwo what I mean. I suppose he too is hooked.
>
> Your lucky, I live in the UK where Docs think Benzos are from Satan himself. I'd give my right arm for stack of Benzos.
>
> I suggest you get a T-shirt printed that says "Valium powered" or "Benzo Babe" and wear it with pride.
>
> Glyn
Posted by JohnM on October 22, 2000, at 14:17:39
In reply to Re: What's the bottom line on long-term use of Valium?, posted by GLYN on October 21, 2000, at 19:17:51
Your points are well taken!
This is the end of the thread.
Psycho-Babble Medication | Extras | FAQ
Dr. Bob is Robert Hsiung, MD,
bob@dr-bob.org
Script revised: February 4, 2008
URL: http://www.dr-bob.org/cgi-bin/pb/mget.pl
Copyright 2006-17 Robert Hsiung.
Owned and operated by Dr. Bob LLC and not the University of Chicago.