Switching From Xanax To Valium (Page 5)
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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.

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Hi Syrus! I am a 63-year-old woman who has suffered from severe anxiety & panic disorder since I was 18 (1968). In those early days, I was given Paxil along with almost every benzodiazepine including Valium, Librium, Tranxene (sequentially, not at the same time). Nothing worked. For years I thought I was losing my mind, I couldn't breathe, I couldn't think, I couldn't drive, I couldn't leave the house, I was at ER at least twice a week, hysterical & having a "heart attack." Finally, in 1983, my therapist told me about Xanax, a new benzo designed specifically for severe anxiety & panic. It not only changed my life -- it saved my life!!! For many years, I took 1 mg 3-4 times a day & 2 mg at bedtime. Recently, I felt I was becoming tolerant to it so my current therapist put me on clonazepam, a longer-acting benzo. I take 2 mg twice a day. In addition, I continue to take 2 mg Xanax at bedtime (for insomnia) & my doctor provides extra Xanax in case I feel I need to take one in addition to the clonazepam. I feel great! I don't (nor have I ever) gotten "high" from these meds. I've never experienced any "bad" side effects. I just feel "normal". Of course, this is only MY experience but I think you would do well to ask your provider about clonazepam. It has really worked well for me. Good luck!

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I empathize with all the struggles here. It seems that people switching from one benzo or GABA drug to another will often cause discomfort, because few of them are exactly the same with regards to what cell receptors they act upon. Then there is the issue of onset and half-life which has been discussed. Objectively speaking, it seems that because this is to be expected, it is in a way "nothing to worry about."

Having had some feelings of anxiety before also, another thing that worries me (some people say everything worries me :), is how someone can function with most of these medications: How a person drive or work, especially if there job has some dangers or requires a level of judgement?

From this idea it occurs to me that tapering oneself down and relying more on psychotherapy might be a good goal. If someone is one a fairly high dose of a potent benzo or GABA medicaton, there is always the real fear of running out. That in itself must produce some real anxiety. I would bet that anyone who has taken them for any length of time has run up against running out. Again, that would be very worrisome!

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Valium is good for panic attacks and anxiety. I've had panic attacks since 1987 or so (got so bad at one point that I had to stop driving). I've been on various things like Xanax, Klonopin, Librium, Ativan, on and on. I'm a working professional who doesn't care to live on disability, get wacked out on pills and just feel sorry for myself.

First, I'd like to address the benefits of Valium. Then I'll get to the issue of switching from Xanax to another drug.

Valium simply makes one 'less worried', in the event of a panic attack. And that's the whole point: the more you worry the worse your panic attacks get. It's very important to know what you're going through -- and still be relaxed about it! Valium also has a *strong* muscle-relaxant effect, which is helpful in times of severe tension.

By contrast, Xanax literally slathers over the panic attack completely -- and keeps going beyond that, giving you an 'I am superman' feeling. That is dangerous in the real world. So, you're walking around with a cocky grin on your face, slurring your words slightly. People *know* you're on something. Not good in the work world. Especially the professional work world.

Not to mention that Xanax (which is very potent) has an amnesic effect. Things you'd normally remember/recall very easily -- such as your boss asking you about the project they'd given you -- you'll look like a dope trying to pull out the answer.

Valium keeps you calm. Not goofy.

Klonopin is even worse than Xanax, with regard to people noticing that you're wacked on something. Klonopin gives you glassy eyes -- VERY glassy eyes. It also disinhibits you. You'll tell someone off in a hearbeat. You'll regret the consequences. But yes, it can prevent panic attacks.

Part 2.

Yes, if you're used to gobbling Xanax but suddenly switch to Valium it won't feel exactly the same. At least not for the first few days it won't. You'll have some minor withdrawal from the Xanax. Nothing serious, it's purely psychological. Because you are a crybaby and you want your Xanax. But in reality the Valium's got you covered. (Try switching from Xanax to *nothing* and then you'll see what I mean).

Xanax to Klonopin is a bad switch. You'll actually have some 'real' physical withdrawal. When I did it I went into drenching sweats. Water was pouring out of my body -- and it was freezing outside. I looked like a just crawled out of lake, the sweating was so bad. I'll never, ever forget that.

I currently just have Valium for panic attacks. I take it if & when I need to. Usually once every few days or so. That's it. It's got me covered just fine, and I don't feel like I'm a slave to it.

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Great Awesome Advice and Real Truth! God Bless You!
Amen

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Wow I really hope you are still watching this thread - I have ALL of your problems plus severe pain and joint issues in all cervical places plus neck muscles which is made much worse with any stress and yes valium will definitely help you. The only issue is unfortunately eating food- any food will stop this medicine from working. up to 5 hours after eating. I had to restrict my food for my other pain med. You will find that valium will stop future issues due to the long acting. It is a much better muscle relaxant and is also better for seizures. If u r able to get it I prefer valium over xanax for panic, pain, and migraines Any day. Good luck. And I wish I had your Dr.!

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i was dogged off xanaxes and loraratabs and somas and klonipon all at 1 time was on xanaxes for 12yrs been of now for 6 months my dr now gives me valiume 10 mg 2 a day but scared to take i no what i have been thru but have panic and anxiety attacks bad dont no what to do i am on low dose libirum 1 a day at bedtime only thinking of putten a case suit on my other dr had to go to detox and rehab over that

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DON'T DO IT! !! YOU'LL REGRET IT as valium does have longer halfkife, it just won't work for anxiety after so long on xanax. I'd try klonopin first if your doc is wanting longer half life. Thing is, youll probably (we r all diff) need 20mg at once to just feel calm and not anxious. Klonopin 2mg is like xanax 1mg in eqivalence but different feeling. Not as hardcore but not nearly as wek as Vals. If you have very little tolrrance or can wean down for 2 weeks, then 20mg of Valium is awesome. It's mainly used to get prople off xanax and evrntually off otherwise you'd have Breeden on valium first. I'd hold onto the xanax if possible or up the dose to 2mg pills. I took 2mg 3 times a day before switching to valium (didn't last, had to use my refill of xanax). Most fr's are starting to dhy away as they see little value to xanax now as altetnatives r better fir anxiety. It's more for break through anxiety like for attacjs. God I miss rohyohnol, worked the best, just half a milligram and anxiety free. Too bad you can't find in mexico anymote. (I live in cali so the occasional trip is nice. Roofies were easy to find 8 years ago but that's when they quit hookin up whitey unlrss anyone can tell diff. Sorry for the side question.

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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?

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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.

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"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!

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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...

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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?

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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

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.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?

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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

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@ 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!

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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.

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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....

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

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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!

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