anyone switched from xanax to valium?

Guest · Post by **Guest** » Tue Jan 01, 2008 12:05 pm

Wandarose- Yes, Buspar is given to treat anxiety but I do not know anyone who it has worked for. And yes, if you need an anti-anxiety, you will probably have to ask for one. Most dr's will not prescribe them because of their addicitiveness. If you do get a script, my advice, use it sparingly. Try to get through the mild to moderate anxiety with using breathing techniques and only use the anti anxiety when you fee like you cannot control the anxiety. They do not take long to take effect and Xanax and Ativan can be used sublingually(under the tongue) and will act faster. I wish I would have known what I know not; I may not have ever taken an anti-anxiety medication and tried herbal remedies.

Guest · Post by **Guest** » Sun Jan 06, 2008 5:09 pm

I'm just following up on my previous post about switching from xanax to valium. One of my most annoying symptoms of my anxiety was that off-balance/dizzy/spacey feeling. I am here to say that after I finally got over the transition of switching meds, I feel 110% better. I don't know if the xanax was doing it or what. Suddenly I feel calm, relaxed, and alive.

However now I am taking 6 2mg valium a day. I hope that I can wean off that, but the important thing to me right now is that I am not spending all of my time obsessing over my symptoms and worrying about what's wrong with me or how I'm going to function each day.

I am still waiting for my program to arrive, I'm on my 5th session with my therapist, and I'm talking to all of my regular doctors about other medications. My family doctor thinks I should start taking a VERY low dose of Cymbalta because I don't react well (or haven't so far) to other SSRI's. Another doc of mine said that sounded like the smartest idea he's heard of for me.

I am going to consult a psychiatrist before I make my final decision. Even though I feel great right now, I know that it's only a matter of time before I plummet again, so I want to arm myself with a full arsenal and get this stuff under control and hopefully behind me!

Thanks to everyone for all of your support, feedback, and friendship. It means a lot to me!

Sandina

Guest · Post by **Guest** » Sat Jan 12, 2008 2:44 pm

Sandina,

I'm so glad you're feeling better. It sounds like you're in the same boat as me.

(I'm really tired of posting the same thing over and over, so if you're remotely interested in my background with meds, check out my other posts. I really don't mean to be snippy/flip, but I'm kind of disappointed that no one has really responded to the questions I've asked...)

I guess what I'm curious about is your Dr.'s recommendation for Valium. I've only had it twice in my life (to calm me down before a surgery) and it worked relly well- only 1 pill- don't know the mg.! However, whenever I ask my psychiatrist about Valium, he freaks (this from the same person who was prescribing me up to 200 mgs. of Xanax a month!).

I don't know what my question is, and I apologize for rambling. I guess I just wanted to respond to you because we have similar experiences with meds.

I also LOVE your quote by U2! I'm a HUGE fan (seen them live 4 times). What do you think of the song "Yahweh" from ...Atomic Bomb ? It makes me cry with joy. Does that make any sense? Their music totally reflects my emotions/personality: spiritual, humanitarian, sometimes, just loud and angry.

Again, I'm glad you're feeling more calm and normal- whatever that means

. Peace to you.

Guest · Post by **Guest** » Sun Jan 13, 2008 8:00 am

Fischee,

I'll go back through your posts about your background with meds. I know what you mean abou having to re-write everything all the time.

My doc switched me to valium because
1) xanax doesn't stay in your system as long, so as soon as it wears off if you don't take another you're anxious again
2) for some reason it is common in most people that once you've been on a certain dosage of xanax, your body starts to adjust to it and you need more and more. Personally I didn't have a problem with this, but it was a concern for my doctor. also he said that is why many people "snowball" their addiction to it and make it difficult to wean off of it.
3) valium (and my pharmacist agrees) is what he calls a "softer" drug; it stays in your system longer and you cannot feel it coming or going like you can with xanax. when I was on xanax I took it at 5am and 5pm and 10pm, and let me tell you, I could tell what time it was by my physical anxiety! in other words, I knew when it was 5pm and time to take a pill even if I wasn't looking at my watch. with the valium I have to stay on top of my pill schedule, because I can't feel it as much or as strongly.

I am a HUGE U2 fan, but I have never seen them in concert. I do have the "All That You Can't Leave Behind" tour Boston show on DVD. For me it's a religious experience! Have you ever heard "Wake Up Dead Man"?

Thanks for your post and blessings to you... you can ramble at me anytime you want!

Guest · Post by **Guest** » Sun Jan 13, 2008 11:40 am

valium is much more powerful than xanax, and i'm sure more addicitng. i would not use either drug long term everyday.

Guest · Post by **Guest** » Wed Jan 16, 2008 3:54 am

Valium is more sedating than Xanax, but not more powerful. Personally, I find Klonopin to be the best. It's long acting and at the right doses can't knock out anxiety all day long. Talk to your Dr. about it...

Gary