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Any students get Diazepam or similar meds to control Anxiety in University?
Just curious as to University students dealing with Anxiety for things like Presentations, or needing to stand up and give a pitch in front of crowds.
I suffer from Anxiety, and have done for a long time especially in big jobs where I have to present or stand in front of people. additionally certain jobs that I need to do require a certain sense of relaxation and calmness, so it's for these reasons that I'm just wondering if any of you have similar issues and get them treated in the UK with Benzodiazepine type drugs such as Diazepam, Lorazepam, Alprazolam (brands Valium, Ativan, Xanax etc)
In the UK they are awfully strict with these drugs due to the abuse and addiction and the health problems they can cause, I am completely understanding of these restrictions and agree that it is very necessary to monitor, but just because I'm a young person doesn't mean I'm going to fire a Diazepam every morning with my Coffee and chill the day out. Some people need those things for crippling Anxiety not just to get intoxicated every day!
I got Diazepam when I was 15, at 2mg and it was to be used at night occasionally, I only got 1 filled script and that was it. In the future I was just given SSRI Antidepressants (lots) and Propranolol which did help the anxiety to an extent. Nothing will ever come close to Benzos for anxiety relief though, despite all their nasty health issues!
I suffer from Anxiety, and have done for a long time especially in big jobs where I have to present or stand in front of people. additionally certain jobs that I need to do require a certain sense of relaxation and calmness, so it's for these reasons that I'm just wondering if any of you have similar issues and get them treated in the UK with Benzodiazepine type drugs such as Diazepam, Lorazepam, Alprazolam (brands Valium, Ativan, Xanax etc)
In the UK they are awfully strict with these drugs due to the abuse and addiction and the health problems they can cause, I am completely understanding of these restrictions and agree that it is very necessary to monitor, but just because I'm a young person doesn't mean I'm going to fire a Diazepam every morning with my Coffee and chill the day out. Some people need those things for crippling Anxiety not just to get intoxicated every day!
I got Diazepam when I was 15, at 2mg and it was to be used at night occasionally, I only got 1 filled script and that was it. In the future I was just given SSRI Antidepressants (lots) and Propranolol which did help the anxiety to an extent. Nothing will ever come close to Benzos for anxiety relief though, despite all their nasty health issues!
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I asked my US psychiatrist for something for anxiety and I got 90 diazepam 10mg tabs. Whilst benzo abuse is clearly not healthy I can't help but be thankful that my psychiatrist makes things so much easier for someone with a genuine problem.
Original post by Sabertooth
I asked my US psychiatrist for something for anxiety and I got 90 diazepam 10mg tabs. Whilst benzo abuse is clearly not healthy I can't help but be thankful that my psychiatrist makes things so much easier for someone with a genuine problem.
Jesus Christ, 90? 10mg?! are you in the UK or do you live in the US?
That is crazy, even at that dose! you could nearly just half a one and use it for small anxiety issues, but man, I can completely get where you are coming from! I like have yet to get prescribed even 2mg! They just don't hand them out easy in the UK!
After being denied benzos and z-drugs during a temporary period of extreme insomnia, I have the opinion that GPs prescribing them is merely urban legend 
I've been prescribed 6 2mg diazepam tablets on 2 different occasions. That was because I can't use beta-blockers though (asthma) and the doctor said she doesn't generally prescribe them. My stepmum has also been prescribed diazepam for anxiety.
You could always ask? It took a few trips to the doctor trying some different medications before she gave me diazepam as a last resort.
You could always ask? It took a few trips to the doctor trying some different medications before she gave me diazepam as a last resort.
Original post by Anonymous
Jesus Christ, 90? 10mg?! are you in the UK or do you live in the US?
That is crazy, even at that dose! you could nearly just half a one and use it for small anxiety issues, but man, I can completely get where you are coming from! I like have yet to get prescribed even 2mg! They just don't hand them out easy in the UK!
That is crazy, even at that dose! you could nearly just half a one and use it for small anxiety issues, but man, I can completely get where you are coming from! I like have yet to get prescribed even 2mg! They just don't hand them out easy in the UK!
I'm in the US but I used to live in the UK and it was so difficult to get certain medications there. It was annoying as hell because I had no intention of abusing them and had legitimate reasons to take them.
I've also got a 6 month supply of sleeping tablets.
Like the diazepam, I'm very careful not to use the drug unless it's absolutely necessary. It's there in my drawer, just in case(edited 10 years ago)
Original post by Sabertooth
I'm in the US but I used to live in the UK and it was so difficult to get certain medications there. It was annoying as hell because I had no intention of abusing them and had legitimate reasons to take them.
I've also got a 6 month supply of sleeping tablets. Like the diazepam, I'm very careful not to use the drug unless it's absolutely necessary. It's there in my drawer, just in case
I've also got a 6 month supply of sleeping tablets.
Like the diazepam, I'm very careful not to use the drug unless it's absolutely necessary. It's there in my drawer, just in caseMajority of people who end up addicted to prescription medication had a legitimate reason to take them and no intention of abusing them. It's a combination of circumstances and individual vulnerabilities that leads to some people developing problems. It's hard if not impossible to predict who those people are going to be from the outset.
Personally I do prescribe benzos relatively liberally (by UK standards), particularly for inpatients when I feel it's time and place for it. I would be very reluctant to do so for social anxiety though. The clinical guidelines and evidence base doesn't support it as a long term solution. I would consider it as a short term measure in combination with psychological therapy but I really don't think it solves any problems long term. I'm well aware though that psychiatrists in the US tend to lean towards pharmacotherapy much more then we do.
(edited 10 years ago)
I have absolutely no problems getting them prescribed - I have seen over a dozen different GP's, and been registered at 4 surgeries.
15-20mg diazepam - day. Now 1.5mg clonazepam a day with temazepam, and diazepam PRN.
I have seen specialists which makes it easier. Only difference is that some GP's give me 2 weeks supply others a months.
Currently I get 90 500mcg clonazepam, on repeat, with 28 5mg diazepam, and 14 10mg temazepam on acute prescriptions.
15-20mg diazepam - day. Now 1.5mg clonazepam a day with temazepam, and diazepam PRN.
I have seen specialists which makes it easier. Only difference is that some GP's give me 2 weeks supply others a months.
Currently I get 90 500mcg clonazepam, on repeat, with 28 5mg diazepam, and 14 10mg temazepam on acute prescriptions.
I thought you had to go to a doctor, get referenced to be diagnosed with anxiety/depression etc. And then they decide to give out the drugs?
Original post by Anonymous
After being denied benzos and z-drugs during a temporary period of extreme insomnia, I have the opinion that GPs prescribing them is merely urban legend
They denied you them? man, that's crap, did you by any chance have any difficulties or issues on your previous medical records? like that gave them a reason to deny prescribing them? that's tough. It's certainly no Urban legend, they do prescribe them, a lot more to adults i find, like my uncle the other day went to the docs with a pain in his neck and got prescribed Diazepam in like 2 minutes for 2 weeks. my aunt gets them, grandparents, my mum occasionally, I did when I was 15, but only for use when required and they were only 2mg, I got Z-drugs b4 I got Diazepam though for 2 weeks!
Original post by Kazbian
I've been prescribed 6 2mg diazepam tablets on 2 different occasions. That was because I can't use beta-blockers though (asthma) and the doctor said she doesn't generally prescribe them. My stepmum has also been prescribed diazepam for anxiety.
You could always ask? It took a few trips to the doctor trying some different medications before she gave me diazepam as a last resort.
You could always ask? It took a few trips to the doctor trying some different medications before she gave me diazepam as a last resort.
I see, sorry about you having asthma, I understand beta blockers can affect that, with all due respect, I just feel a 18-20 year old coming in and asking can I have Diazepam just appears like drug seeking. Even before when I went to my doc with frequent reports of the other meds I was on "not working" they just never really even made reference to a benzo type drug, it was always just raise the antidepressants or beta blockers, my first GP even prescribed me Anti psychotics and said "I wouldn't go as far into diazepam or anything like that, this should help it's a mild tranquilizer." - even though diazepam is classed as a minor tranq and antipsychotics are Major tranquilizers... ugh... GPS.
Original post by Sabertooth
I'm in the US but I used to live in the UK and it was so difficult to get certain medications there. It was annoying as hell because I had no intention of abusing them and had legitimate reasons to take them.
I've also got a 6 month supply of sleeping tablets. Like the diazepam, I'm very careful not to use the drug unless it's absolutely necessary. It's there in my drawer, just in case
I've also got a 6 month supply of sleeping tablets.
Like the diazepam, I'm very careful not to use the drug unless it's absolutely necessary. It's there in my drawer, just in caseHow long have you been living in the US?
that's what I mean, I have no intentions of abusing them, I 110% see why you could become extremely addicted to them, let's not beat around the bush here anyone, everyone generally knows Benzos make you relaxed and chilled like no other medications, it's like Alcohol in tablet form only smoother with less after effects (in the short term i mean), the fact that you have them in your drawer as you say, well if i was in that situation, I would feel a lot more relaxed in general, knowing that if i suffer a panic attack, They are there to help me. What sleeping tablets did you get prescribed if you don't mind me asking? We can only get Z-drugs for sleep here, or maybe Temazepam but again, they are tightly restricted. I have had family members give me Nitrazepam before which is quite nice! for sleep and it helps my anxiety
Original post by belis
Majority of people who end up addicted to prescription medication had a legitimate reason to take them and no intention of abusing them. It's a combination of circumstances and individual vulnerabilities that leads to some people developing problems. It's hard if not impossible to predict who those people are going to be from the outset.
Personally I do prescribe benzos relatively liberally (by UK standards), particularly for inpatients when I feel it's time and place for it. I would be very reluctant to do so for social anxiety though. The clinical guidelines and evidence base doesn't support it as a long term solution. I would consider it as a short term measure in combination with psychological therapy but I really don't think it solves any problems long term. I'm well aware though that psychiatrists in the US tend to lean towards pharmacotherapy much more then we do.
Personally I do prescribe benzos relatively liberally (by UK standards), particularly for inpatients when I feel it's time and place for it. I would be very reluctant to do so for social anxiety though. The clinical guidelines and evidence base doesn't support it as a long term solution. I would consider it as a short term measure in combination with psychological therapy but I really don't think it solves any problems long term. I'm well aware though that psychiatrists in the US tend to lean towards pharmacotherapy much more then we do.
Hi, sorry I know you weren't speaking to me, but I just wanted to ask are you a Doctor or GP yourself? because it would be interesting to hear it from someone working in that field. Do you personally feel that most doctors hold back from treating say social anxiety disorders with Benzos and is it more just for acute anxiety situations? I think every Doctor will only prescribe them in the short term, but there are certain friends of mine who get regular repeats of say 2MG of Diazepam for anxiety and "stress"
Original post by Dan9878
I have absolutely no problems getting them prescribed - I have seen over a dozen different GP's, and been registered at 4 surgeries.
15-20mg diazepam - day. Now 1.5mg clonazepam a day with temazepam, and diazepam PRN.
I have seen specialists which makes it easier. Only difference is that some GP's give me 2 weeks supply others a months.
Currently I get 90 500mcg clonazepam, on repeat, with 28 5mg diazepam, and 14 10mg temazepam on acute prescriptions.
15-20mg diazepam - day. Now 1.5mg clonazepam a day with temazepam, and diazepam PRN.
I have seen specialists which makes it easier. Only difference is that some GP's give me 2 weeks supply others a months.
Currently I get 90 500mcg clonazepam, on repeat, with 28 5mg diazepam, and 14 10mg temazepam on acute prescriptions.
Would you be in the US? I don't think I've ever met anyone here in the UK who gets prescribed Clonazepam, if you are registered at 4 surgeries, you must be in US? it's just over here we don't really have that kind of 'register at a number of surgeries' type thing obviously over abuse reasons and doctor shopping! Do you find the Clonazepam helps for anxiety? I've read reviews online and people seem to swear by it for anxiety, i understand it's on slow release?
I'm actually a bit surprised that you can get away with two benzos on regular repeat, (not judging or accusing you at all btw) more just your doctors, because surely, if you were taking that regularly would you be worried about being like physically and mentally hooked and having to go through the withdrawal eventually? that's one thing that scares me, I could easily see myself being someone who if given the chance to take them regularly over acutely I'd probably say regularly, just for the anxiety relief factor, however the withdrawal syndrome terrifies me, similar to "Venlafaxine withdrawals" it's just one one of those drugs I'd be scared to get hooked on!
Does the Temazepam help with anxiety for you as well?
Original post by LadyEcliptic
I thought you had to go to a doctor, get referenced to be diagnosed with anxiety/depression etc. And then they decide to give out the drugs?
You do have to go to a doctor, perhaps a couple of doctors before they diagnose you with anxiety or depression, then they prescribe you which meds they see fit, I don't know where you picked up in this thread that anyone was saying you didn't have to go through that process lol!
for the record also I do have both diagnoses, on doctors records!
Original post by Anonymous
I see, sorry about you having asthma, I understand beta blockers can affect that, with all due respect, I just feel a 18-20 year old coming in and asking can I have Diazepam just appears like drug seeking. Even before when I went to my doc with frequent reports of the other meds I was on "not working" they just never really even made reference to a benzo type drug, it was always just raise the antidepressants or beta blockers, my first GP even prescribed me Anti psychotics and said "I wouldn't go as far into diazepam or anything like that, this should help it's a mild tranquilizer." - even though diazepam is classed as a minor tranq and antipsychotics are Major tranquilizers... ugh... GPS.
Yes, I understand it could look like drug seeking. It's a shame really, because they can be useful when used on occasion.
I got the diazepam for a few assessed presentations. She said she was only giving them to me because I couldn't use beta-blockers. I didn't actually ask for them - she suggested them.
Hmm, that sounds weird with the antipsychotics. My brother uses them and his psychiatrist has been really concerned about increasing the dosage due to side effects, but have handed him different benzo drugs without really worrying about addiction. He's been given diazepam and lorazepam. I asked his psychiatrist and CPN about addiction and they just said "he's not taking enough to become addicted to it", but he was taking it everyday
I guess different doctors just prescribe differently.
Original post by Anonymous
Would you be in the US? I don't think I've ever met anyone here in the UK who gets prescribed Clonazepam, if you are registered at 4 surgeries, you must be in US? it's just over here we don't really have that kind of 'register at a number of surgeries' type thing obviously over abuse reasons and doctor shopping! Do you find the Clonazepam helps for anxiety? I've read reviews online and people seem to swear by it for anxiety, i understand it's on slow release?
I'm actually a bit surprised that you can get away with two benzos on regular repeat, (not judging or accusing you at all btw) more just your doctors, because surely, if you were taking that regularly would you be worried about being like physically and mentally hooked and having to go through the withdrawal eventually? that's one thing that scares me, I could easily see myself being someone who if given the chance to take them regularly over acutely I'd probably say regularly, just for the anxiety relief factor, however the withdrawal syndrome terrifies me, similar to "Venlafaxine withdrawals" it's just one one of those drugs I'd be scared to get hooked on!
Does the Temazepam help with anxiety for you as well?
I'm actually a bit surprised that you can get away with two benzos on regular repeat, (not judging or accusing you at all btw) more just your doctors, because surely, if you were taking that regularly would you be worried about being like physically and mentally hooked and having to go through the withdrawal eventually? that's one thing that scares me, I could easily see myself being someone who if given the chance to take them regularly over acutely I'd probably say regularly, just for the anxiety relief factor, however the withdrawal syndrome terrifies me, similar to "Venlafaxine withdrawals" it's just one one of those drugs I'd be scared to get hooked on!
Does the Temazepam help with anxiety for you as well?
My dad has been prescribed clonazepam (we live in the UK), but not for anxiety. However, based my experiences, it is good for anxiety. I've only used it twice, but it took approx 2 hours to feel the full effect and lasted all day.
Just want to clarify that I'm not a regular user of benzos. I use them very very occasionally.
Original post by Anonymous
You do have to go to a doctor, perhaps a couple of doctors before they diagnose you with anxiety or depression, then they prescribe you which meds they see fit, I don't know where you picked up in this thread that anyone was saying you didn't have to go through that process lol!
for the record also I do have both diagnoses, on doctors records!
for the record also I do have both diagnoses, on doctors records!
Ages ago, though, you didn't have to be diagnosed, you were forced to take the medicine because they didn't quite understand mental illness (from what I've been told) but now obviously here are all sorts of different branches of it now.
Original post by Anonymous
Hi, sorry I know you weren't speaking to me, but I just wanted to ask are you a Doctor or GP yourself? because it would be interesting to hear it from someone working in that field. Do you personally feel that most doctors hold back from treating say social anxiety disorders with Benzos and is it more just for acute anxiety situations? I think every Doctor will only prescribe them in the short term, but there are certain friends of mine who get regular repeats of say 2MG of Diazepam for anxiety and "stress"
I'm a doctor, psychiatrist to be precise. I think most doctors in primary care avoid prescribing benzos long term. It creates more problems then it solves. There are GPs who are more relaxed about it but general consensus is to avoid.
There are better ways to deal with anxiety then relaying on benzos.
Original post by Anonymous
Would you be in the US? I don't think I've ever met anyone here in the UK who gets prescribed Clonazepam, if you are registered at 4 surgeries, you must be in US? it's just over here we don't really have that kind of 'register at a number of surgeries' type thing obviously over abuse reasons and doctor shopping! Do you find the Clonazepam helps for anxiety? I've read reviews online and people seem to swear by it for anxiety, i understand it's on slow release?
I'm actually a bit surprised that you can get away with two benzos on regular repeat, (not judging or accusing you at all btw) more just your doctors, because surely, if you were taking that regularly would you be worried about being like physically and mentally hooked and having to go through the withdrawal eventually? that's one thing that scares me, I could easily see myself being someone who if given the chance to take them regularly over acutely I'd probably say regularly, just for the anxiety relief factor, however the withdrawal syndrome terrifies me, similar to "Venlafaxine withdrawals" it's just one one of those drugs I'd be scared to get hooked on!
Does the Temazepam help with anxiety for you as well?
I'm actually a bit surprised that you can get away with two benzos on regular repeat, (not judging or accusing you at all btw) more just your doctors, because surely, if you were taking that regularly would you be worried about being like physically and mentally hooked and having to go through the withdrawal eventually? that's one thing that scares me, I could easily see myself being someone who if given the chance to take them regularly over acutely I'd probably say regularly, just for the anxiety relief factor, however the withdrawal syndrome terrifies me, similar to "Venlafaxine withdrawals" it's just one one of those drugs I'd be scared to get hooked on!
Does the Temazepam help with anxiety for you as well?
Hi,
Well I suffer from muscle spasms as well. No I am in the UK. What I mean is that I have moved around the country a fair bit and registered with different surgeries (at different times).
I am not worried about addiction as I take as prescribed, have not had to increase my dose since I started taking it and am under specialist supervision.
I see lots of different doctors who manage my pain. I originally requested changing to clonazepam after using diazepam for a year, and lorazepam which I found crap.
In all honesty I have tried all the alternatives and am happy with what I am on.
Yes Temazepam is good. 10mg/20mg at night is effective. I can only compare it to zopiclone 15mg and lorazepam 1mg.
I don't get two benzo's on repeat btw, the temazepam and diazepam I need to specifically request.. I am allowed to use 20mg temazepam a week and request 28 5mg diazepam every few months.
Try all the alternatives and then consider benzo's.
(edited 10 years ago)
I got given a prescription for diazepam when my uni stress was through the rough and causing me to have panic attacks and severe back pain, to the point I couldn't straighten my back out because the muscles were too tight. I got given a short course to get me through the exams. They helped though I only took 2 rather than the full pack. My doc said she will only prescribe me a short course every so often for things such as big exams or flying etc though tbh as good as they are, I don't like taking them because they just knock me out and if I am taking them because I'm stressed over uni, it just makes my problems worse in the long run because I can't stay awake to do my work.
I still have about 12 left but I only take one now if my back starts to do that horrible tight thing again rather than for when I am stressed or anxious. Haven't taken one for about 2/3 months but its nice to know they are there if I need them.
I still have about 12 left but I only take one now if my back starts to do that horrible tight thing again rather than for when I am stressed or anxious. Haven't taken one for about 2/3 months but its nice to know they are there if I need them.
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