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Dr. Andrew Rynne
MD
Dr. Andrew Rynne

Family Physician

Exp 50 years

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Can Valium Be Taken For Anxiety Attacks?

I have been having anxiety attacks lately. Really bad attacks. I have had them in the past and have controlled them for a few years but now they are back. I used to take zoloft for them and then a milder depresseant called effexor and I weaned myself from the meds and was fine for a few years and now that they are back I have no insurance or the funds to go to the doctor at the moment. A family member gave me some valium and I wanted to know if that is something I should take.
Wed, 3 Dec 2014
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Psychiatrist,  's  Response
Hello thanks for asking from HCM

I can understand your problem. You are suffering from anxiety disorder and you used to take zoloft or sertraline and venlafaxine for that. The medicines controlled the symptoms and then tapered the medicines. You remained in remission for few years but the problems reoccured.

Valium is diazepam and it is a benzodiazepine drug. The drug is known to cause dependence and has abuse potential. Taking the drug from someone without prescription is not advisable. The drug can relieve anxiety for some time but this is not the right treatment. For treatment I would advise you to consult your psychiatrist again for treatment. Medicines like SSRIs and SNRIs are mainstay of treatment.

If you don't have insurance then I would advise you to try relaxation exercises, yoga, meditation to keep yourself relaxed. Progressive muscle relaxation exercise have excellent results in anxiety. Avoid excess tea, coffee or alcohol.

Thanks, hope this helps you.
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Can Valium Be Taken For Anxiety Attacks?

Hello thanks for asking from HCM I can understand your problem. You are suffering from anxiety disorder and you used to take zoloft or sertraline and venlafaxine for that. The medicines controlled the symptoms and then tapered the medicines. You remained in remission for few years but the problems reoccured. Valium is diazepam and it is a benzodiazepine drug. The drug is known to cause dependence and has abuse potential. Taking the drug from someone without prescription is not advisable. The drug can relieve anxiety for some time but this is not the right treatment. For treatment I would advise you to consult your psychiatrist again for treatment. Medicines like SSRIs and SNRIs are mainstay of treatment. If you don t have insurance then I would advise you to try relaxation exercises, yoga, meditation to keep yourself relaxed. Progressive muscle relaxation exercise have excellent results in anxiety. Avoid excess tea, coffee or alcohol. Thanks, hope this helps you.