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  • BDD Moderators: Keif’ Richards

Could Valium/Benzos be a Quick Fix for Anxiety?

SpecialK_

Bluelighter
Joined
Mar 11, 2010
Messages
3,531
I've noticed I've been getting a fair bit of anxiety lately, I've had it on and off overall for as long as I can remember, even before drug use. I'm fairly against pharmaceuticals, I've always had the impression that they don't do much more than zombify you and so I've always been reluctant to use them unless it was a few valium to knock me out after a wipeout session or panic attacks or just the odd recreational usage.

Can the likes of valium help with these of things? I smoke a fair bit of grass daily and was considering cutting it out, but this happened even before my drug use so it may just be a thing. I was considering getting a few ten strips, taking 10-20mg one day, 15mg the next, 10mg the next, 7.5mg the next, 5mg the next, 2.5mg then stop. Would that time spent in a bit of valium haze mean when I get off I'll have a more relaxed or the opposite effect? Is this the wrong way to go about it?

As this has bothered me in the past I'm wiling to experiment a bit just to see if it could be cleared entirely. However, I'm not interested in a daily benzo habit, I like taking plenty of drugs that benzos don't interact well with or lessen the effects of.

Any advice is appreciated. :)
 
They certainly hep with my anxiety and as a very temporary sticking plaster fix I think they do a good job, for allot of people ( recently my father in law) who would have no access to illegitimate drugs they really helped him through I really difficult time and also seemed to allow him to see how many of his other "illnesses" were in fact just anxiety and stress.

I'd cut the weed for certain it is unlikely to be helping.

However they have massive potential for creating dependence and daily and escalating use, as I have found myself over the last 12-18 months ( could be longer I can't remember ;))

If you have a long term anxiety issue you should consider getting on the waiting list for CBT, I've just finished a course and had great results, no drugs required, got to be worth a shot, it doesn't work for everyone and you do need to do a fair bit of work yourself in order to get the best results.
 
When my panic/agoraphobia started I was pregnant so I went to counselin with a counselor trained to treat the above naturally. I used those techniques to get myself outta panic attacks for almost 11 yrs. I was able to avoid my daily hospital runs usin the techniques I learned. Then 4 yrs ago hubby & I separarted and the panic was back horribly. I went to the drs instead of tryin my techniques I learned and he quickly gave benzos. 4+ yrs now on benzos :/
I would really try alt routes if you can. Benzos are so easily addicting.
Whatever your choice, best of luck!
 
Hey SK, nice to see you in here!

While benzos do reduce anxiety they are much better saved for as-and-when occasional use or sometimes as a regular low-dose thing although this is harder to maintain. As atm said, tolerance and dependency are real risks and benzo addiction can be really hard to quit. Why are you looking to take them for a week particularly - do you have stressful things coming up or are you trying to kick your anxiety with a short course of them? I'd be worried that actually you'd do the opposite, and get some rebound anxiety when you come off diazepam. A week isn't long enough to worry about physical dependency but you could get some unwanted symptoms when you stop (although less likely if you taper).

I'd also worry that if you found them to be effective it would be really hard not to use them again, and then tolerance and dependency would be a risk..

I'd definitely look into CBT as atm said, I've seen it work wonders for anxiety. There are various other types of therapy too which might help you. The advantage of this is it tackles the root cause rather than just treating the symptoms, and something like CBT gives you tools which you can use for the rest of your life. the anxiety megathread in The Dark Side forum (in the directory) is a great place for getting some info and advice :)
 
Benzos relieve anxiety almost all in the short-term, that is you would likely have no long term benefits from using a benzodiazepine as you described. I don't know the nature of your anxiety, but a benzo here or there for peaks in anxiety or panic is fine and will help in the short-term. If your anxiety is to the point you feel you need to be on something daily for anxiety control, benzos are an option, and do the job fairly well. Of course they are addictive, and if you take them daily for any extended period of time will become dependent. Benzo wd's are potentially fatal if you discontinue them abruptly, however, with a proper taper there is little danger.
 
benzos work great for anxiety - and they are meant to be, for the most part, short term fixes.

the problem is, you may find yourself thinking you've got more and more anxiety problems, or more frequent anxiety the more you use benzos to treat the anxiety simply because they work so well but are addicting.
If you use them for too long you'll find it too easy to convince yourself you need another one.

One problem with using valium is that is has a very long half life. So if you plan to take in multiple days in a row, your tolerance to it will grow a lot quicker
I'd consider taking breaks, maybe only using it twice or 3 times a week at most and then not for more than 2-3 weeks.

Personally it sounds like cutting down on the smoking could help just as much in the long term... you may have some rebound anxiety when you taper down your smoking habit but that should subside. I'd warn against using xanax or valium for a quick anxiety fix while also smoking weed. Chances are you may find you like the feeling of valium and weed . . . and that's really not going to help you long term.
 
Thanks for all the great responses so far and good to see some familiar names providing great advice!

I've decided to try and really cut down on my weed in take, I've been smoking pretty much daily for a good solid year now and have noticed my days are circulating alot more around getting high than I'd like to. Plus, I don't think it's gonah do any good for anxiety. I wont be stopping completely, but will be significantly reducing how much I smoke and it wont be a daily thing - at least temporarily to see how things go. Quite ironic for me as I always have something positive to say about grass, baring in mind it's my favourite drug and most likely always will be. But I figured, stop now and enjoy later, or continue and it may tie into the anxiety and prevent me toking later. Good for the tolerance anyway, as I tried to make myself whitey the other week there and had no success.

This anxiety seems to come and go, more so it seems to be it occurs then I either forget about it as the day goes on or if I'm in bed I wake up the next morning and have forgotten about it. I've never really considered keeping track before, but this is now seriously affecting my thinking and I want to try and sort it out a bit. I've been getting stress headaches too and these are just horrible because I can't think and just feel like I've too many thoughts constantly racing through my mind. I'm going through a bit of a stressful period at the moment alongside a heavy work load so I know this is also a contributing factor. But this is now starting to affect these things so I'm wondering if a benzo option will truly help.

Anyway, back to the topic more so. I think I am going to go ahead with this valium, but I'm wondering would it be worth going to my GP first and seeing if I could get them prescribed that way? I've no history for anxiety or anything with my GP so it will be new to them. Am I likely to go, explain my symptoms / situation and typically have to move up the chain through a variety of drugs or are they normally quite quick to fire out the benzos if I'm just looking to get my head round a bit. I'm not interested in these for recreational purposes, even a ten strip would probably help sort things out a bit I believe. But if this is the likely route I'll just opt for buying on the street instead I guess. Anyone been in a similar situation?

Also, if I do go ahead with this, does anyone have a good suggested plan about how to go about this? Thinking about valiums half life I don't want these doses to be stacking as I have various things that need a clear-head to maintain. I don't want day 3 to come with me being a zombie because that isn't the point of this, I'm just hoping a few days of relaxation with valium will help clear things up and show there is really nothing to be getting stressed or worried about. Would dosing say every 36 hours later, but taking off 2.5mg each time work? I'm honestly a bit clueless for this as I have never considered valium or pharmaceuticals for such a thing.

I'm also open to suggestions for any other drugs out there, but valium is just the easiest to get a hold of. I found xanax far too subtle for me, in the event of a panic attack I wouldn't even trust it. Valium has always been much more effective for me.
 
UK GPs are not quick to hand out benzos at all - quite the opposite; it's virtually impossible to get more than a very short script (usually a few 2 or 5mg diazepams only) unless you've been through relaxation techniques, breathing exercises, CBT and probably other drugs like buspirone too. Even then most GPs would be very reluctant to start you on a benzo script; you'd probably need to see a psychiatrist (depending on your GP of course).

Careful with street blues too - most are Pakistani counterfeit with anywhere from 0 to 20mg diaz in (usually 5-7mg ish I find) - the inconsistency can make it difficult to monitor your dose properly..

Diazepam's metabolism is really complicated - half life is up to 100 hours and many of the metabolites are active. It will differ slightly from person to person. I'd gauge how it affects you and adjust your dose accordingly, rather than having a strict schedule - I try not to take it every day, reducing your dose is a good plan and set a limit on how long you will take it for.. I'm still concerned that either you will love the anxiety relief and therefore find it really hard not to carry on using them (and upping your dose as tolerance sets in) landing yourself with a habit (benzo addiction is horrible, hard to quit and withdrawals can be dangerous) or you'll get some rebound anxiety when you stop, but if you want to try it then of course it is your decision :)

Diazepam is probably your best bet in the UK, especially for generalised anxiety but do take the long half-life into account. Have you thought about CBT? It can really help with racing thoughts and other negative thought-patterns although it can be hard work, isn't a quick fix and isn't for everyone..
 
I've been smoking pretty much daily for a good solid year now.

I don't think it's gonah do any good for anxiety.

I've too many thoughts constantly racing through my mind.

Mate, believe me what you are experiencing is the negatives of smoking weed coupled with the anxiety and stress of day to day life. I have been in a very similar situation to you.Please do not just reach for another drug to counteract any negatives of another one! This may work in the short term, but things will get worse, a lot worse.



You say you are open to other suggestions? If you don't wan't to stop or can't stop smoking weed, then natural endorphins are the way forward. Working out is by far the best thing you can do for your mind. WAY too many people here on bluelight do drugs (obviously), and think reaching for benzoes is the way forward. It is not.

I have been in a much worse situation than yourself, and working out, eating well and getting enough sleep will do far more for you and improve your quality of life FAR more than a temporary fix like benzoes. CBT is an excellent option, and should also be considered if exercise is not cutting it.

Please feel free to PM me with any help you would like into working out/CBT and other ways to help you out, I will be able to help you out.




Don't reach for a Valium script... :(
 
I second the call for exercise, healthy diet, and trying to maximize the quality of sleep you get.
I'm a benzo user for insomnia, well aware of the long term issues. I'm doing my best to curb usage, keep tolerance low, and not feel dependent but I know I'll have to taper myself off them eventually.

Flipping Top makes great points - reaching for the valium might feel easy, and it will only start to feel easier.

I'd highly recommend you at least talk to your doctor about it first. Stay away from buying rx drugs off the street, or even from one of your mates. Talk to your doc and look into alternative treatments
 
Benzos are usually the first line of defense doctors prescribe to patients complaining of anxiety, especially recent onset. The are addicting but can be a real life saver. I would totally cut out the grass because that exacerbates anxiety when you begin to "sober" up(4-9hrs after you smoke)

Occasionaly, they are fine. Don't make a habit out of them though
 
Yes, benzo's are quick acting anti-anxiety agents - a lot of them are anyway. Some take a longer time to kick in. Diazepam, bromazepam, and alprazolam act rapidly within 30-45 minutes. Some are more a bit slower to kick in lorazepam and clonazepam. Yet, others are even slower - oxazepam, chlordiazepoxide and clorazepate.

There are benzos that are work even quicker, but those are usually the hypnotics.

Benzos, IMO are the best anti-anxiety agents out there today. Nothing can compare.
 
Feeling pretty stuck at the moment guys if I'm honest. I went ahead and grabbed some valium this weekend and was having just some recreational usage with them. I had about 60-80mg total over the course of two days, ending Sunday. I've learnt, like most drugs I've little self control and despite having tried to keep 4 for myself for times like now I ate them.

I'm now back to the same position I'm always in, I'm finding Tuesdays particularly worse and this is completely sucking my motivation out of anything I do, I feel irritable, anxious, not in a mood to socialize, frustrated. To be honest, it feels like there is something wrong, or there are loads of things happening at once and I'm unable to keep up, but here I am sitting on a computer doing literally fuck all.

I have things to do, but I'm constantly being distracted by literally nothing, and never get round to these goals no matter how hard I set out to do them. It's really affected recently my issue with timing, I am just feeling like I don't have enough time to do anything. It isn't even true though, I get a good 6-8 hours a day of pretty much near freedom, yet I spend so much time worrying I've no time that I just waste it. I've honestly nothing to be complaining about, there is nothing wrong in my life at the moment, I'm having a stressful period but so are many others I know and it's taking a large toll on me while it is barely affecting them. People always suggest to talk about things when you're in this kind of situation, but I've honestly nothing to complain of, I just can't shake these feelings whatsoever despite there being no reason for them. It's slowly building up over the weeks and it's getting to the point now were it's not just anxiety anymore. To be honest the valium didn't even help as much as I thought it would.

I'll attempt to describe things a bit, it's a real dreaded feeling. Just as if something is wrong or something wrong is going to happen. I'm getting fairly anxious around people, even in situations I should be 100% comfortable in. The time issue is a major one, I feel like I have time for nothing yet I do. I just constantly feel like I'm rushing even when I'm relaxing. I've been getting what I presume to be stress headaches, pressures in the side of my head and when these happen along with the constant thinking it's dreadful to be honest. I'm beginning to feel extremely uncomfortable in social environments, unless under the influence of drugs. But the thing is I have severely cut down my drug usage, I've went from daily to weekends only and since even the first post in this thread I've really cut down on the toking, when I'm having a bong I'm trying to have a bong less etc, use less just in case it is all this fucking up my head.

This thread has became a bit of a ramble place for me at the moment, so if nothing can be said of the above that's why. Has anyone been in a similar situation at this? It's just anxiety and at the same time feeling completely burnt out. It comes and goes constantly and varies slightly each time which is why I'm having real trouble describing this. I'm tempted to just go ahead and reach for more valium but I don't want a habit of them and as previously said I've no self control, if a blister is there I'll eat them all. Partially my own fault I guess.
 
Feeling pretty stuck at the moment guys if I'm honest. I went ahead and grabbed some valium this weekend and was having just some recreational usage with them. I had about 60-80mg total over the course of two days, ending Sunday. I've learnt, like most drugs I've little self control and despite having tried to keep 4 for myself for times like now I ate them.

I'm now back to the same position I'm always in, I'm finding Tuesdays particularly worse and this is completely sucking my motivation out of anything I do, I feel irritable, anxious, not in a mood to socialize, frustrated. To be honest, it feels like there is something wrong, or there are loads of things happening at once and I'm unable to keep up, but here I am sitting on a computer doing literally fuck all.

I have things to do, but I'm constantly being distracted by literally nothing, and never get round to these goals no matter how hard I set out to do them. It's really affected recently my issue with timing, I am just feeling like I don't have enough time to do anything. It isn't even true though, I get a good 6-8 hours a day of pretty much near freedom, yet I spend so much time worrying I've no time that I just waste it. I've honestly nothing to be complaining about, there is nothing wrong in my life at the moment, I'm having a stressful period but so are many others I know and it's taking a large toll on me while it is barely affecting them. People always suggest to talk about things when you're in this kind of situation, but I've honestly nothing to complain of, I just can't shake these feelings whatsoever despite there being no reason for them. It's slowly building up over the weeks and it's getting to the point now were it's not just anxiety anymore. To be honest the valium didn't even help as much as I thought it would.

I'll attempt to describe things a bit, it's a real dreaded feeling. Just as if something is wrong or something wrong is going to happen. I'm getting fairly anxious around people, even in situations I should be 100% comfortable in. The time issue is a major one, I feel like I have time for nothing yet I do. I just constantly feel like I'm rushing even when I'm relaxing. I've been getting what I presume to be stress headaches, pressures in the side of my head and when these happen along with the constant thinking it's dreadful to be honest. I'm beginning to feel extremely uncomfortable in social environments, unless under the influence of drugs. But the thing is I have severely cut down my drug usage, I've went from daily to weekends only and since even the first post in this thread I've really cut down on the toking, when I'm having a bong I'm trying to have a bong less etc, use less just in case it is all this fucking up my head.

This thread has became a bit of a ramble place for me at the moment, so if nothing can be said of the above that's why. Has anyone been in a similar situation at this? It's just anxiety and at the same time feeling completely burnt out. It comes and goes constantly and varies slightly each time which is why I'm having real trouble describing this. I'm tempted to just go ahead and reach for more valium but I don't want a habit of them and as previously said I've no self control, if a blister is there I'll eat them all. Partially my own fault I guess.

This quote says it all:

"...it's a real dreaded feeling. Just as if something is wrong or something wrong is going to happen."

You are having anxiety, really bad anxiety attacks. Maybe even minor panic attacks? Could even be symptoms of depression. But if diazepam didn't help, try something else or try a slightly higher dose of diazepam. I'm not saying this is the answer to all your problems but for the immediate time it will help. I suffer/suffered similar anxiety and I have been on alprazolam for the past five years with great success. I also use an SSRI. I went through a bunch of them until I found the "one", which for me is escitalopram (Lexapro). You just have to take it easy, try to do something with your time and that could help you forget about your anxiety. Go out for a run, go to the mall, read a book or do whatever you normally enjoy doing. However, I do suggest a benzo for right now, at least to help you get through the worst of it.

I really hope you can find something that can take away your anxiety because I know how it feels bro, and it ain't fun.
 
Is it normal for these feelings to come and go? My main problem, before making this post was that I would often experience them and they were horrible. But after a while they disappeared and I felt much better, to the point were it was almost I'd forgotten I'd had them. It was only until recent times when these thoughts and feelings have began to get more frequent that I've realized this isn't how day-to-day life should be and maybe there is something up. There isn't exactly a said routine with them? You could get a few within a few hours, or a few over a few days, or none for a while and then suddenly they creep up? Is this normal? Going to bed is one of the most frequent time periods when I get that dreaded feeling and I just don't get it, it isn't normal to be sitting comfortably in bed and having a feeling of dread that something horrible has happened/is happening/will happen. Is this common also?

Is it worth going to a GP? Anytime I've been, no matter they have never been of any use to me. It's just been looking in their wee book, prescribing the first thing and returning in a month - although these have been unrelated to this situation. I'm a bit unconfident as well with this as for some reason I don't wish to be making a big deal out of it, I think there are people out there who suffer similar feelings but to a much more serious and constant extent and this has prevented me speaking up about it to anyone prior to this post. I'm quite an inward person with my own emotions and this is also another reason. I can see how this has became a bit of a vent/ramble thread of mine, hopefully someone can make sense of the questions I'm asking. I also don't think I'll turn around and mention my drug use, as I suspect that would immediately rule out a prescription of benzos. But despite being reluctant to say I'm aware the likes of weed aren't helping. However I'm adamant they aren't the source. I was really into my oxys at an early stage in my teens (14), I can't help but feel that the euphoria they provided me has left me feeling a little burnt out now that I've been off them a long, long time and life hasn't provided euphoria that is comparable. Have to say I wish I wasn't so naive at the time and had researched my drugs.
 
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Is it normal for these feelings to come and go? My main problem, before making this post was that I would often experience them and they were horrible. But after a while they disappeared and I felt much better, to the point were it was almost I'd forgotten I'd had them. It was only until recent times when these thoughts and feelings have began to get more frequent that I've realized this isn't how day-to-day life should be and maybe there is something up. There isn't exactly a said routine with them? You could get a few within a few hours, or a few over a few days, or none for a while and then suddenly they creep up? Is this normal? Going to bed is one of the most frequent time periods when I get that dreaded feeling and I just don't get it, it isn't normal to be sitting comfortably in bed and having a feeling of dread that something horrible has happened/is happening/will happen. Is this common also?

Is it worth going to a GP? Anytime I've been, no matter they have never been of any use to me. It's just been looking in their wee book, prescribing the first thing and returning in a month - although these have been unrelated to this situation. I'm a bit unconfident as well with this as for some reason I don't wish to be making a big deal out of it, I think there are people out there who suffer similar feelings but to a much more serious and constant extent and this has prevented me speaking up about it to anyone prior to this post. I'm quite an inward person with my own emotions and this is also another reason. I can see how this has became a bit of a vent/ramble thread of mine, hopefully someone can make sense of the questions I'm asking. I also don't think I'll turn around and mention my drug use, as I suspect that would immediately rule out a prescription of benzos. But despite being reluctant to say I'm aware the likes of weed aren't helping. However I'm adamant they aren't the source. I was really into my oxys at an early stage in my teens (14), I can't help but feel that the euphoria they provided me has left me feeling a little burnt out now that I've been off them a long, long time and life hasn't provided euphoria that is comparable. Have to say I wish I wasn't so naive at the time and had researched my drugs.

Yes it's normal for these feelings to come and go, you are suffering from anxiety afterall and anxiety/panic attacks can be unpredictable. It's always a good idea to go to your GP and tell him/her exactly what you are telling us. No this is not the way day-to-day life is supposed to be and yes something is up. You are probably depressed and you are definitely describing what anyone would call severe anxiety. It isn't normal to be laying in a comfortable bed and having feelings of dread or some impending doom. Like you said, don't mention any of your past or any current drug abuse as that would take benzos off the table as a treatment option for you. Right now a benzodiazepine like lorazepam, alprazolam, or clonazepam would be of great help to you. They would most certainly take the edge off.

But in the meantime, do as I said earlier - keep yourself busy (at least try, I know it isn't easy). Go out for a run, watch a movie, talk to a friend you trust about how you are feeling and you'll find that it may help a bit. Also try to remember that you aren't alone here and that there are many people in the same boat as you are (so don't feel alone). Many people feel just like you and for many years I myself suffered through the same kind of anxiety and panic attacks. But most definitely go to a doctor and tell him/her exactly what you are telling us. They will help - hopefully with a benzo.
 
Took a solid ten day break there. That included not going on anything drug related such as Bluelight. Basically certain that I am suffering from anxiety, and possibly more, to some extent. So going to visit the GP anyway and see what they have to say although not expecting much. I really feel that in 5 months though my life will generally be in a much better way and so I'll be much happier, so it is the anxiety that is the biggest problem.

My problem with benzos is I just eat them when I get them, I've came to realize that too. Will report back on how things go, this is a bump more than anything.

Unfortunately with regards to my GP, if anything gets prescribed that doesn't go well with LSD or MDMA, it's unlikely I will even bother.
 
If you have constant anxiety then valium may be okay if you were to take it as prescribed daily or when needed. But if you were to take it for fun or recreationally, or daily then when you stop taking it you may find your anxiety is worse than it was before you even started valium.

The same applies to weed too, I see a lot of my friends smoking weed to relax them but then when they don't have the weed they're more anxious than they were to start. I assume the weed is making you anxious when you're not on it.

Valium I definitely think would help in quitting smoking weed, valium helps almost with quitting any other drug to some degree.

If you want a drug that helps more with anxiety attacks or panic attacks, i would recommend maybe ativan sublingually so they get absorbed right away and they deal with just the panic attack or anxiety attack when you have them. if you have more of a generalized anxiety I would recommend clonazepam because it lasts a lot longer and i find if you take one you don't get high or anything and you don't notice you're on it but you just feel normal and go about your day, and probably avoid a panic attack or anxiety attack you would have had but didn't have because you took a clonazepam that day.
 
Believe it or not, but Baclofen can ease anxiety, at least it has for me & I use it as a muscle relaxant..........
 
Hey SpecialK, you definitely need to see a doctor ASAP, don't leave it any longer. I made the mistake of thinking I could cope and it ended badly, almost very badly :|

Do not start self medicating with Benzos please listen to me on this one it will not help you in the long run, you may as well start on the vodka its much the same kind of deal.

Get a doctors appointment ASAP this is not something you should leave any longer, so when they say "is this an emergency" just say YES if they try and ask what the issue is just say its a private matter and you only wish to discuss it with a doctor.

They should give you a standard set of tests, a simple questionnaire, the GAD 7 is part of the standard set although there are others :-

http://www.patient.co.uk/doctor/Generalised-Anxiety-Disorder-Assessment-(GAD-7).htm

These will give your GP a bassline as to where you are and what treatment is appropriate, everything you have said in your post makes perfect sense to me, I suspect you are suffering from some kind of anxiety disorder and I think it is likely that you are also clinically depressed although I'm no doctor, for which the nation should be thankful;)

Fuck LSD and MDMA you need to get yourself well mate and taking recreational drugs isn't going to help with that anyhow so you are going to have to really consider knocking them on the head for a bit if you want to stop feeling the way you do.

Its unlikely this will go away on its own and if it does this time you may well find it returns again at some point, don't rely on it bottoming out and you bouncing back up, that is the biggest mistake I have ever made and I believe it almost cost me my life.

Almost all anti - depressants that your GP is going to give you will prevent you from taking MDMA, LSD I'm not so sure about but given your mental state you should think about whether it's a good idea to be taking such things. If you dead set against ADs then ask about CBT I have found it very effective along side and AD but there is no reason why you need to take an AD to get is AFAIK. The only issue I had in order to get CBT was to stop my excessive drinking and Benzo use although ther are waiting lists in most areas.

Best Wishes, hope you get yourself back on track soon as
 
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