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Can Diazepam Be Taken Instead Of Seroquel?

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Posted on Mon, 14 Sep 2015
Question: Dear doctor I stopped taking Seroquel last night and I will not take it tonight either. Doctor my question is: if I can take diazepam (valium) tonight instead of Seroquel, I had bad experience with Seroquel. There is any interaction between this drugs or not. Please advise me in this matter. Thank you for your help.
doctor
Answered by Dr. Manisha Gopal (32 minutes later)
Brief Answer:
no problem; please go ahead. all the best

Detailed Answer:
Hello,

Generally seroquel is not recommended for sleeping problems and we prefer using benzodiazapines or zolpidem. If you are having issues with seroquel and want to stop it- please go ahead under supervision of your prescribing doctor. However there is no interaction...many a time both are also used simultaneously.

The desired doses of valium is 10-15mg which can be taken only after your doctor's advise.

If you feel some issues quitting seroquel (as you have been on it from past 15 days.)..your doctor can prescribe half the tablet for a night or two and then replace with valium or zolpidem.

Dont worry, it is done many times in routine clinical practice and there is no major problem with this shift.

Good luck!
Hope the reply helps.

Dr. Manisha Gopal
MD Neuropsychiatry

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar
doctor
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Follow up: Dr. Manisha Gopal (57 minutes later)
Thanks doctor for your advise. In case I decide taking valium tonight o tomorrow night what time is best to take it, in order to avoid side effect , in other word hangover the day after. Thank again for ytour help
kind regards

Doctor also I would like to know once I take valium I have to take every day or only when I need it. Thanks again for your help
doctor
Answered by Dr. Manisha Gopal (1 hour later)
Brief Answer:
i advice taking it for 3-5 days before stopping

Detailed Answer:
Hello,

Thanks for replying back!

Whenever someone wants to take valium I usually advice them to take it approximately 8 hours prior to the time you want to get up in the morning. I have found this practice helpful (but there can be individual variations.)

Valium is generally seem to be less sedative compared to seroquel, so, in cases like yours, I have not seen any complaint of hangover commonly.

Regarding the continuity of valium, as you have been on seroquel for 15days and now shifting to valium, according to my clinical judgement you should take it for few days ,say three four days prior to stopping it altogether.
After that you may discontinue it and may use it only when need arises.

You may discuss the above points with your treating team as well.

Hope the reply is useful for you.
Wish you good health!

Dr. Manisha Gopal
MD Neuropsychiatry
Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar
doctor
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Follow up: Dr. Manisha Gopal (1 hour later)
Dr normally I get up about 8 o'clock am ,therefore for me is it OK to take at midnight?. It is the time that almost always I go to bed.Thanks again
doctor
Answered by Dr. Manisha Gopal (10 minutes later)
Brief Answer:
11:30pm should be better. I advice half hr before going to bed

Detailed Answer:
Hello,

Normally I would suggest taking it half hour prior to bed in my patients...so, ..i.e. 11:30pm should suit you.
As the drug takes some time to reach in blood and start effect.

P.S.- Try not to move around much after taking the medicine to prevent falls.

wish you good health.
Dr. Manisha Gopal
MD Neuropsychiatry
Note: For further guidance on mental health, Click here.

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar
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Answered by
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Dr. Manisha Gopal

Psychiatrist

Practicing since :2005

Answered : 947 Questions

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Can Diazepam Be Taken Instead Of Seroquel?

Brief Answer: no problem; please go ahead. all the best Detailed Answer: Hello, Generally seroquel is not recommended for sleeping problems and we prefer using benzodiazapines or zolpidem. If you are having issues with seroquel and want to stop it- please go ahead under supervision of your prescribing doctor. However there is no interaction...many a time both are also used simultaneously. The desired doses of valium is 10-15mg which can be taken only after your doctor's advise. If you feel some issues quitting seroquel (as you have been on it from past 15 days.)..your doctor can prescribe half the tablet for a night or two and then replace with valium or zolpidem. Dont worry, it is done many times in routine clinical practice and there is no major problem with this shift. Good luck! Hope the reply helps. Dr. Manisha Gopal MD Neuropsychiatry