A 42-year-old member asked:
Diazapam works really well for my anxiety but what is downside?
2 doctor answers • 7 doctors weighed in
Dr. Alfred Forresteranswered
Psychiatry 43 years experience
Addiction: The class of benzodiazepines - of which diazepam is one - can be quite effective in reducing symptoms of anxiety. The most common short-term side-effects are sedation. In the long-term, sometimes pts develop tolerance (they need a higher dose of the med over time to get the effect); and if they stop the med abruptly, they may suffer withdrawal symptoms.
5.7k viewsReviewed >2 years ago
Dr. Ana Adelstein commented
Clinical Psychology 28 years experience
Using only medications to manage your anxiety can prevent you from learning cognitive and behavioral techniques that can themselves help you manage it. It doesn't just have to be about pills; it can be about skills!
Mar 8, 2013
Dr. Heidi Fowleranswered
Psychiatry 26 years experience
Diazepam: I agree w dr. Forrester & dr. Adelstein. As a psychiatrist I am concerned when i start care for a new patient who has been on long-term benzodiazepines such as diazapem. The reason- many of these people are so used to taking the medication that they are not willing to consider a less addictive medication & often are unwilling to work on making behavioral changes to reduce their anxiety. They >.
5k viewsReviewed >2 years ago
Dr. Heidi Fowler commented
Psychiatry 26 years experience
Provided original answer
stuck in a RUT.
Aug 3, 2013
Last updated Oct 4, 2016
People also asked
Connect with a U.S. board-certified doctor by text or video anytime, anywhere.
24/7 visits - just $39!
50% off with $15/month membership
Disclaimer:
Content on HealthTap (including answers) should not be used for medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment, and interactions on HealthTap do not create a doctor-patient relationship. Never disregard or delay professional medical advice in person because of anything on HealthTap. Call your doctor or 911 if you think you may have a medical emergency.