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Meg Mangin R.N.
Former Team Member
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Posted: Thu Nov 23rd, 2006 02:06 |
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When and why should I use Valium?
Some folks are reluctant to take medications that are typically used to relieve anxiety for fear of physical or psychological dependancy. But when symptoms are intolerable and adjustment of the MP meds doesn't work there is a place for using an anti-anxiety medication judiciously. Valium (diazepam) affects chemicals in the brain and is used to relieve tension (muscle relaxant, insomnia), seizures, nervousness as well as anxiety on an ‘as-needed, short-term basis.
Valium is the brand name and diazepam is the generic name. The dosages of each are equal and they are supposed to be identical in composition. But our experience has noted a distinct difference between the actions of the two.
Dr Marshall writes:
"Valium is one of the few 'calming' drugs that I have found helpful in the Th1 diseases. But only the brand-name Valium works for folks with Th1 inflammation - and only small doses are usually needed. Half the 2mg (white tablet, the one with the V cut from the center) seems to often be enough to reduce anxiety and calm restless muscles. Stay away from the generic diazepam and the higher strengths. The yellow #5 coloring used in the higher dose to identify the tablet may affect its action for folks with Th1 disease.”
Make sure your doctor orders Valium 2mg to use “as directed” and writes “no substitutions” on the prescription. Valium is usually taken 1-4 times per day.
Folks have reported that taking Valium not only reduced their anxiety but also reduces other symptoms, possibly because those other symptoms (such as palpitation or headache) were exacerbated by the anxiety.
If you begin to use Valium to replace diazepam, be sure to use a lower dose because Valium will probably be more effective. To be safe, start low with 1mg Valium and work up to the dose and frequency you need for relief.
Note: If you are taking other anti-anxiety medications (axiolytics), it is advisable to consult your doctor about weaning from it/them before using Valium.
The trick to using Valium and not getting dependant on it is never to take it automatically and to start with a low dose. Take it only after you have tried other methods of relieving your symptoms. For example, if you are taking it for insomnia and wake up prematurely, ask yourself if you really need it or if you can manage your day with a little less sleep. If not, and it is four hours or more till you need to wake up, Valium is appropriate.
Members experiences:
I found there was a huge difference between using the generic and brand-name Valium. I used to only need about 1mg two times daily of the brand-name. That would soothe me right down. The generics didn't work at 10 times that dose.
-About valium, I am unbelievably drug sensitive and do fine with small doses of valium (or the generic diazepam, which I do best with, I know valium works better for most with Th1 inflammation).
What I did with the diazepam was to get 5mg tabs and divide it into quarters, so I started off with a very small amount, 1.25mg. I've found I can handle 2.5mg quite easily and even 5mg if the pain is more severe. It has been an absolute life saver for me at times since starting the protocol and has the added benefit of helping with my sleep. I have side effects that are hardly worth it from every other sleep or pain med I've tried, but not really with the diazepam.
I always try extra benicar first before I use it though, as I don't want to over use it. ~prugg21
-I have been taking 2mg Valium for muscle cramping associated with rheumatoid arthritis (I take it perhaps once or twice a week.). As Jeannine advised, the brand name version of this drug usually works much better and at lower doses than the generic diazepam. I have followed this advice and used the brand name Valium with good results.
Until recently….when I attempted to refill my prescription at a new pharmacy in a remote location. I was told they could not obtain brand name Valium and that no pharmacy that they knew of within several hundred miles carried the brand name version. I accepted the generic, and very quickly found out that Dr Marshall was right (as usual  ). Even when I took double the dose, I got no relief from my muscle cramps and in fact, my joint and muscle pain was worse. ~Carol
See also
How can I control my anxiety and depression?
Last edited on Mon Jul 21st, 2008 05:22 by Meg Mangin R.N.
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