Switching From Xanax To Valium (Page 2)

PLEASE HELP! For the past 7yrs I've been on 1mg Xanax (3x) per day for anxiety and panic attacks. I take my dosage of Xanax as prescribed by my Dr unless I have a severe panic attack, then I may take an additional (1-2) 1mg xanax when I'm actually having a severe full blown panic attack to stop it. I've been on other Benzos before but Xanax seems to be the only thing that stops the panic attacks when I'm having them.
Recently my Dr decided to switch me from 1mg Xanax (3x) per day to 10mg of Valium (2x) per day because he says Valium is "stronger" and has a longer half life than Xanax. He says the Xanax isn't working for my anxiety anymore. From what I've read on the Internet about Xanax vs Valium is that Xanax works better than Valium for panic attacks. I like to mention I have a phobia of taking new medications. I stressed my concerns to my Dr that my anxiety isn't as much of issue for me as my Panic Attacks. He said not to worry cause the Valium is stronger. Then I asked him what if while I'm taking the Valium I suffer a sever panic attack? What do I do to stop the panic attack? His responce was that I could take a 1/2 of a 10mg Valium tablet to stop the panic attack. I wanted to tell him that from what I knew, Valium is slower acting and that I didn't agree 1/2 of a 10mg is going to stop my panic attacks but I didn't want to question his professional expertise over my Internet findings. I know he's the Dr and the Dr knows best right? So I guess to finally get to my point is I'm terrified to start the Valium because im afraid that when I have a panic attack and I say WHEN and not IF cause it's only a matter of when I will have a full blown sever panic attack what would I do to stop it? From reading up on Valium I know it wont help stop my panic attack like the Xanax will. I asked my Dr before I left his office that while I'm on the Valium and I have an attack could I take a Xanax to stop the attack? He said absolutely not! He said if I have a panic attack while on valium I can take a 1/2 of my 10mg Valium. I didnt say this to my Dr but I know from what I read about Valium is that it won't stop an attack as fast as Xanax will. I dont know what to do? Im so scared and I feel helpless cause I feel like my Dr isn't getting what im saying. My panic attacks can last as long as 2 hours or more. I know because my longest panic attack was while I was driving through the desert and realized I forgot to pack my Xanax. 2 hours in to my attack after trying breathing techniques and what not I had to taken to a hospital by ambulance cause my heart rate went up way to high and so did my blood pressure. My panic attacks can lead to an ambulance ride to the hospital. I feel like my Dr is focusing on treating my anxiety more than my panic attacks which are of greater concern to me at this time. I read on line that other people have been prescribed both Xanax and Valium to be taken as needed. Valium for anxiety and Xanax for panic attacked. I spoken to 3 pharmacists who tell me that I can take the Valium and if I should have a major panic attack I could take a Xanax no problem because they're both Benzos but only on the occassions when I'm having a bad panic attack. Why couldn't my Dr just say that? I know some of you may read this and say that I just have an addiction to Xanax. Honestly that would be further from the truth. If I knew that Valium would stop my sever panic attacks I would switch in a heart beat but from what I'm reading I know Valium won't help with an attack as fast as Xanax will. I'm not looking for the Xanax "kick" some people love to feel or to have a feeling of Ephoria. I just want a reliable medication to treat my disorder. I want to trust that my Dr knows what's best for me but only I know what my body and mind is going through and I somehow can't get him to understand! If anyone has had the same problem as me or can offer any support or advise I'd love to hear what you have to say. Has anyone ever taken both medications in the same manner im suggesting or together at the Sametime? How did it make you feel? We're you able to cope and how? Please anything will help. I know there has to be other people out there experiencing or have experienced the same thing. Thanks.

REPLY

REPORT

WOW!! No one on here is a doctor? Really??? So much poor information here. I was on the maximum legal dosage of Xanax (2mg X4) for almost 20 years and used Valium 5mg to ween off. I suffer from the most extreme case of panic disorder within the age variant of the disorder. Now that I'm older my anxiety and panic attacks are manageable through self soothing and have been for over 10 years. I was chemically dependent to the Benzos. The calculations in this thread and the threats of heart attacks etc from withdrawal are completely bogus. Its all in your head. First you have to understand how the drugs work, why there are different forms and the real equivalency which is still being debated because the science is subjective. If you look at it from pure chemistry this is the table to follow.
Alprazolam .5 1 - 2 9 - 20
Bromazepam 3.0 .5 - 4 8 - 30
Chlordiazepoxide 25 1 - 4 24 - 100
Clonazepam .25 1 - 4 19 - 60
Clorazepate 10 variable 1.3 - 120 * (unreliable absorption)
Diazepam 5 1 - 2 30 - 200 *
Estazolam 1 .5 - .6 8 - 24
Flurazepam 15 .5 - 1 40 - 250 *
Halazepam 40 1 - 3 30 - 96 *
Ketazolam 7.5 3.2 30 - 200
Lorazepam 1 2 4 8 - 24
Nitrazepam 2.5 .5 - 7 15 - 48
Oxazepam 15 2 - 3 3 - 25
Prazepam 10 2.5 - 6 30 - 100
Quazepam 7.5 1.5 39 - 120 *
Temazepam 10 2.5 3 - 25
Triazolam .25 1 - 2 1.5 - 5

I wouldnt wish panic disorder on my worst enemy but those of you who are only using meds to treat it are probably full of s***. If youre talking to a shrink in med management, thats a mistake. Speak to an internist!! Someone who actually studied the chemistry not just a bunch of case studies. And Syrus.... I'm surprised your doctor is still practicing.... The pharmacy is filling two Benzos at once without a qty change???? Really???? What state do you live in?

So Here are the real facts so that people aren't so scared.

Valium is the benzo of choice for discontinuation therapy. Some people have a paradoxical effect due to the o ring structure of valium and in those cases Clonazepam usually works. Now... lets say you quit cold turkey.... this is bad... BUT lets define cold turkey. The effects of the withdrawal will not reach there severity for 24 hours. You may think its bad at 6 hours but thats not the worst of it. Phenolbarbatol can be used in cold turkey cases to keep you semi-sedated from the effects because the withdrawal effects of the Benzos are all psychotropic. SO you wont have a heart attack or stroke from this. Here are the most common and most common is a generous term because most of these do not happen to most people at high dosage total cessation. So if youve been reading about seizures, heart attacks etc... CALM DOWN! You can taper down with little chance of severe withdrawal effects.
There are all kinds of psychosomatic effects from cessation but they only share symptoms of a more serious disorder. The most likely worst case scenario you can expect is more panic attacks. Now of all the potential problems you may have the most dangerous of all of them is the potential for suicide. The tachycardia wont kill you even if it looks like a heart attack... the blurred vision wont kill you in and of itself even if it looks to an ER doctor like MS or something worse. ANYWAY.... I am here to tell suffers that want to get off the drugs because they feel they can manage their panic attacks with breathing techniques etc. that you can do it and you shouldnt be afraid. It only takes one pill at youre current dosage to come back from tapering if its too tough... but do not live in fear. The only fear you should have is the contituation of the Obama care that is already rolling out and the increased freedoms of Pharmacists that may cause you to be forced into tapering off despite the AMAs assertion that no patient should be taken off the drugs against his will. GOOD LUCK TO YOU ALL!! BUT ABOVE ALL DO NOT LISTEN TO ME OR ANYONE HERE BECAUSE THEY ARE EITHER NOT DOCTORS OR NOT THE RIGHT TYPE OF DOCTOR.

REPLY

Was this helpful? 1

But what are you really saying? I mean after all this is the Internet. Valium is not my Benzo of choice. I agree with the O/P. I thought Ativan is the choice for panic attacks? I'll take Xanax any day for its quick action, but it might be the most dangerous of them all, at least on the way out

REPLY

Was this helpful? 0

Ativan is the drug of choice for panic attacks at onset because most ativan is made in sublingual tablets which can alleviate a panic attack in people not on medication in 30 seconds or so. Its what an ER doctor would likely order for a patient without insurance to make them aware that its only a panic attack. Xanax is so dangerous because the half life is so much shorter which causes most people to take more and more ever increasing the dosage. As per the equivalency of Valium and Xanax dosage. An internist would tell you that even though Valium 10mg is not as potent as Xanax 1mg the half life is nearly 10 times as long. So your blood levels of the Benzo is more stable and in longer durations of usage is the way to taper. The first day is tough. Ill concede that. Blurry vision etc can make one feel more anxious and even mini-attacks are likely. But after the first day these effects usually subside and the Valium actually feels like its working quicker because the blood level is actually increasing not just being replenished so the GABO levels will even out better. The theory by good doctors was to treat Panic with Xanax along with an SSRI. Unfortunately SSRIs dont really work with panic disorder so the patient eventually becomes dependant on the increased dosage of Xanax which they almost always increase use in frequency. Once youve made the switch to Valium or Clonzapam the dosage can be lowered without a dramatic change in the blood levels slowly and with less discomfort or regression. AGAIN THIS IS ONLY MY OPINION ALWAYS CONSULT AN ACTUAL MD PRACTICING INTERNAL MEDICINE.

REPLY

Was this helpful? 2

Well ok I guess? I had the Ativan that took an hour to possibly work. They don't melt like Xanax. I have taken plenty of Valium in years past, and I found they now give me headaches and most certainly don't control anxiety in the same way. Since I don't get classic panic attacks, Xanax is for me. How fortunate I am to be associated with this poison

REPLY

Was this helpful? 0

I have been reading many of the posts about Xanax and I take 2mg 3x daily, but the main problem with this drug is that you have to continually go up on dosing. It loses it effect after a certain amount of time, that is the one bad thing about it. So you can't take 1mg for a year and expect it too keep working, because it won't. I am tired of moving up on Xanax but it works and I hate changing medications. I also have insomnia and nothing works for that, trust me I have tried them all including the drug that should be taken off the market ABIEN. It is so hard when those of us who struggle with mental illness fell like a guinea pig for our doctor and the pharmaceutical companies. I just want something to work along with my therapy for depression, anxiety, and agoraphobia(all due to being attacked by students in the inner city school I taught at). I didn't know them but it has ruined my life. I am a prisoner in my own home. I worked 15 years to get my degree while raising my girls, my husband is wonderful, thank the Lord. I really feel like mental illness is very taboo in our society and so many doctors are pill pushers and don't listen, when we should be the ones that get the 30 minute appointments, not the 15 min. Get one in and out so the next one can get in quickly. What an esembly line we are.

REPLY

Was this helpful? 0

6 mg a day is considered a large dose Elizabeth. I was reading through some older posts in this thread assuring people they will not have withdrawal problems, absolute morons posting. Yes Xanax does not work as good after a period of time, but it is best not to compensate by taking more as Xanax is a nasty drug!

REPLY

Was this helpful? 1

I can relate to your problem, fortunately I have an awesome doctor. I take 5mg if valium 3 times a day, Buspar 2 times a day and have 1 mg xanax for panic attacks. Some doctor are reluctant to give one benzo much less two. The drug seekers ruin it for all of us who have real anxiety and panic attack issues! I agree that valium is wonderful for anxiety, but I have found that only xanax works for real panic attacks. Good luck

REPLY

Was this helpful? 0

What state do you live in? Are you a doctor? I am and have several patients with anxiety disorders. While I am an advocate for meds like Buspar and Wellbutrin, I recognize the need for benzodiazepines. Like all internal medicine doctors I know I am not a psychiatrist and that some people who do not respond to drugs I am not comfortable prescribing. However all quantities of valium and xanax (for full blown attacks) is not out of my realm. Instead of misquoting a benzo comparison chart and ridiculing sick people, spend your time in medical school before you spout advice!

REPLY

Was this helpful? 3

Sorry, that last message was for Adam posted on April 11th

REPLY

Was this helpful? 1

I've suffered from panic attacks for 10 years, even had 2 trips by ambulance to hospital for 2 very severe attacks. I used to take my Xanax morning and night.. But was still waking during the night with attacks. So I took myself off them and only take 1 when I feel an attack coming on. And taken with an icy cold drink it works within minutes. I hope I'll still be able to get my scripts now that its been made a schedule 8 drug. I do not have an addictive personality and think the people that do have the huge problems with this drug would have a problem with any drug given to them....

REPLY

Was this helpful? 0

I read your question & I have been on Xanax, Valium, Klonopin(I hope that is the right spelling) and various other meds for anxiety disorder, panic attacks, claustrophobia, muscle pain, etc. The Klonopin worked great but when the traumatic situation that caused severe panic attacks was over(about 6 months). My psychiatrist asked if I needed it. I said no, it only helps me sleep better which any small dose of another med would have worked. So he leaves me on it for 2 plus years. I could not get off that stuff the withdrawal was agony & I do not mean the normal sweats, diarrhea, and so on. What it did to me mentally, I went down so slow and it was agony. Shaking, bugs crawling, and just feeling like my brain was going to explode. Just so I could sleep a little better. If you are on it for a short period maybe 6 months or under you will be okay. But unless you and your doctor decide together( always be as informed & proactive as you can be) that this will be a lifetime problem & you have exhausted everything else. PLEASE LISTEN TO MY WARNING. I have been ill 20yrs and have 29 diseases & medical conditions so I have experience. I read some other answers & I pretty much agree, give it a chance. I know how hard and scary it is.

REPLY

Was this helpful? 0

@ Michelle: thank you for your comment. Since I started this thread I have come a long way. I did make the switch from Xanax to Klonopin and I also switched my anti depressant. I'm doing much better!

Since switching my anti depressant my anxiety level has gone way down! My anti depressant has also lowered my palpitations because it helped my body regulate my resting heart rate. When I initially wrote my first post my resting heart rate was over 100 bpm. Now it's in the mid 60 bpm. Thus keeping me calmer and since my panic attack trigger was rapid heart rate and that's been controlled I'm not needing the Benzos. Although I still use them its only used to abate a panic attack or if I'm having a ongoing episodes of insomia BUT its not daily.

I still have both prescriptions. I have 1mg of Klonipin I use for occasional bouts with insomnia because its longer half life and less withdrawl symptoms as I don't take it everyday. 1mg Xanax I use for panic attacks.

I'm sorry that you had such a horrible experience while tampering off. I fortunately didn't have that happen to me. I was able to go from taking it daily for 15yrs to taking it only a few times per month with very minimal side effects. I have a good Dr despite some comments about him prescribing me two Benzos at once. I guess that just goes to prove to those who said I was mistaking my illness for addiction. I was not addicted I needed the medication at that time. Everyone has there reasons for contributing thier opinions to this thread. Some want to help some want to troll.

I will continue to respond to every post as I was the one who initiated this thread and feel responsible to respond to people seeking advice from other people who are or have gone through the same thing. As always I let people know most of us who contribute aren't Doctors. We are only giving advice based on our own experiences. I always tell people to ultimately seek a professional opinion as we are not doctors.

Then again for those who post on here saying that we should not be giving advice, I say I started this thread because I WANTED ADVICE FROM PEOPLE GOING THREW WHAT I HAVE BEEN THROUGH. I had already spoken to my Dr but reading about it and learning about symptoms from a text book is different than actually experiencing it for yourself. I just wanted to speak to others who could empathize with my situation without JUDGING but some people want to point people fingers and put down others who just want to understand what may happen to them.

So Michelle, thank you for your comment. You cautioned me without judging me and that is so wonderful its what this thread was created for. Thank you so much!

REPLY

Was this helpful? 1

Hi This isn't much use to you but I have had a few full blown panic attacks, and they are not pleasant, and mine only lasted a few minutes, I was given .025mg of xanax, and after a few years they went away,never to return and no more pills. Hang in there and get the help you need. Cheers

REPLY

Was this helpful? 1

.25 mg Xanax is the smallest dose you can take? While I see it helping with your daily anxiety, I can't see that dose taking on a FULL BLOWN Panic Attack?

REPLY

Was this helpful? 0

was on 1mg Xanax 6 times a day due to anxiety had brain surgery and got vertgo and asked the doctors to switch me to another medication which they did to diazepam 5 mg 3 times a day. now I got to get weined of my diazepam due to me leagaly having pot my unine by UVOP now anxiety level is exstreamly high, BPs is in herpertion 1 and heart pulutions heartbeat is raceing with shakes what is the proper way for them to lead me off this for 19 years of meds

REPLY

Was this helpful? 0

How has it been proposed to you? If its cold turkey you can die so do it safely and slowly and or look for another Doctor/Pain place. Plus your Cannabis guy might have Xanax?

REPLY

Was this helpful? 0

I have been on 1mg xanax 3x a day for a few years for anxiety after klonopin made me dizzy adavan didn't work and cymbalta helped but needed supplemented. My usage of xanax which worked best, isnt needed as much due to less stress at work and life. Now it seems it dont work at all and now take 2 to 3mgs at once ...so now not needing it, i take it to fall asleep...i take 1 to 2 and takes up to an hr before i notice it...takes long to work for me but lasts short time. So a friend gave me 10mgs of Valium and it worked instantly...i cld sleep right now or function at work...seems faster and lasts longer...im going to suggest to dr. To switch ...think my tolerance too high for Xanax and Valium may be better switch maybe? Each person different...

REPLY

Was this helpful? 0

"Now it seems it dont work at all and now take 2 to 3mgs at once ...so now not needing it,"

They make it that way. Many of us feel like you and decide to just stop. Then comes the sickness or death. Valium is not the answer!

REPLY

Was this helpful? 0

My doctor switched me from Xanax to Valium and then to Ativan for no reason other than the medical board doesn't like it when he prescribes Xanax. I had a stroke and it is the only thing that helped me. None of it helps like Xanax but the sad part is that it appears that he doesn't care. I have been going to the same doctor for years. I agree with you it isn't about getting high it's about your Heath and we'll being. The problem is people getting it and don't need it and it causes those that need it to not be able to get it. I don't have an answer only I am in the same situation but different reasons.

REPLY

Was this helpful? 0

Karl, as you know this forum does not let you communicate with other members, but I would only hope that you can sue this Doc for malpractice. I almost died when I made the switch from Xanax to Ativan . I was restored and have collected a bunch of spares so this can never happen to me again, hopefully?

REPLY

Was this helpful? 0

Met an older new Doctor today. He was very aware Xanax is poison, especially on the way out during a withdrawal. In fact...

12 REPLIES

Sure hope I can get some help here. I've been on 2 mg. Xanax for years, well over 8 years. My doctor called me last ...

4 REPLIES

I've been taking Clonazepam for about 15 years. At first, I was prescribed .25 mg twice a day. Over the years, the d...

5 REPLIES

I AM 49YR OLD WAS RX XANAX 1 YR AGO TO CALM MY NERVES AFTER BEING DIAGNOSED WITH STAGE 2 ADENOCARCINOMA OF CERVIX . HAD ...

9 REPLIES

I have been on Toprol XL 25mb twice a day for almost 6 years. Love the drug, but it appears to be wearing off. I am expe...

2 REPLIES

Is it safe to switch from Metoprolol ER to Diltiazem CD without tapering off Metoprolol? And how long does it usually ta...

1 REPLY

is it okay to directly switch from excluton to althea?its my last pill of excluton yesterday, so today i am starting my ...

5 REPLIES

Hi. I'm planning to switch to the althea contraceptive from sophia. I finished my last pill on friday. When should I...

4 REPLIES

Hello, I am currently dependent on Opana and every time I lower it I get very sick. My plan is to decrease daily and I&#...

4 REPLIES

I am switching from Paxil to Viibryd due to weight gain from Paxil. I'm slowly decreasing Paxil while increasing vii...

3 REPLIES