Diazepam questions? Stupid doctor was no help!?

Question

I was on Xanax but recently moved and changed doctors. The new doctor pit me on diazepam 5 mg for anxiety. He didn't provide me with much info so I have a few questions.
- which is more effective in stopping a full blown panic attack Xanax or diazepam?
- does diazepam interfere with the contraceptive pill??

- I've read somewhere that the contraceptive pill interferes with the effectiveness of diazepam. Is that true??
- the doc told me that I could take up to two tabs at a time when needed. Is taking two 5 mg normal
-

Answer 1

I can't comment on your contraceptive issues but I do know about Valium (diazepam) and Xanax (alprazolam). Xanax is more potent than valium (the conversion is about 1mg xanax = 10mg valium). Valium, however, has a longer half-life, taking longer to clear your system. While xanax has a half-life of about 6-8 hours, valium has a half-life of 24-36 hours. Depending on the reason you're being prescribed these benzodiazepines, you might want to consider the half-lifes. If it's just to get to sleep, xanax will do. If you have anxiety issues all day, valium might be the treatment for you. On a more permanent basis (benzos are not recommended for more than a few weeks), you might consider getting on an antidepressant for your anxiety (and possibly depression).

Answer 2

- which is more effective in stopping a full blown panic attack Xanax or diazepam?



I would have to pick alprazolam (xanax), faster typical onset, and strength. Though diazepam (Valium) has been around for a long time, and has a very studied history.



- does diazepam interfere with the contraceptive pill??



No.



- I've read somewhere that the contraceptive pill interferes with the effectiveness of diazepam. Is that true??



There should be no interaction between the birth control and diazepam. You didn't list which contraceptive you are taking, so to be 'extra' sure simply call your local pharmacy.



- the doc told me that I could take up to two tabs at a time when needed. Is taking two 5 mg normal



Yes, it is absolutely normal. 10mg of diazepam is not a 'strong' or 'high' dose.



In fact, I almost hesitate to state this for placebo possibilities, but a half 0.5mg's of Xanax is equivalent to 10mg's of Valium. If you were taking 0.25 or 0.5mg of Xanax before, then your dose is equivalent.. if you were taking more you might not find 10mg's as effective.



However, before discounting the valium it is in the 'family' of benzodiazepines,.. but the effects aren't EXACTLY like alprazolam. Take it, give it a shot, it should do the job. If you find it to be ineffective, don't be scared to print the following (or any) equivalency chart to show why it might not be as effective.



http://www.benzo.org.uk/bzequiv.htm



Though if the doctor was doing a proper job, you were taking no MORE than 1mg of xanax at any one time, and hopefully 0.25 or 0.5mg.



Hope that helps,

Answer 3

I think diazepam is the generic for Valium, which is the same drug class as Xanax. They are both for panic/anxiety disorder.



Take the meds only as directed. Don't take 2 at once. Take one and wait to see if that helps and if not, then let a little time pass (maybe 1-2 hours) before you take another one.



Regarding the birth control question - you need to consult the doctor that prescribed the contraceptive whether or not the two can be taken together.

Answer 4

Davis Drug Guide for Nurses states that hormonal birth control will limit the effectiveness of diazapam, not the other way around. So if one diazapam does not seem to help, you might want to take another, since it is cleared by your doctor. Your birth control should continue to work.



Which one is more effective depends on the individual. Some people like diazepam and some prefer xanax. You have to decide which helps you the most.

5 mg is the lowest standard dose available.



Hope this helps.

Answer 5

first off. Xanax is stronger by MG/dosage....2. valium aka diazepam does not interfere with the pill, it does carry in breast milk though, 3. 5mb is normal yes

Answer 6

Xanax is more effectiv.e for panic attacks than valium. I don't think valium is indicated for panci attacks, it's really just for anxiety. Hope this helps

Answer 7

Use the medication interaction functions at www.drugs.com and http://iguard.org Effective, natural treatments for panic attacks are shown at http://your-mental-health.8m.com/blank_25.html and page i.



Advice from a clinical psychologist is to breathe in to the count of 3: (one thousand one; one thousand two; one thousand three) each takes around a second to say to yourself, in your mind, and out to the count of 3.



Read: "Power Over Panic", by Bronwyn Fox, from your bookstore, or enter "panic attacks" in the searchbar at Amazon.com for more media.