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Is It Advisable To Abruptly Stop The Intake Of Valium?

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Posted on Sat, 29 Aug 2015
Question: I wander if I can stop taking valium strtaight away. I started on valium 10 day ago, but but the side affect the day after is terrible, I feel tired, drowsing all day. Also I like to know if I can take Seroquel instead, if so canI take now or a Have to wait for sometime before taking it. Thank for your help
doctor
Answered by Dr. Manisha Gopal (16 minutes later)
Brief Answer:
continue valium for 1 day more. can replace with zolpidem

Detailed Answer:
Hello,

I have read your query and can see that due to the sedative effects of valium all day long you want to stop it.
You took 5mg last night and 20mg the night prior.
I think it will be better if you take 5mg for another night and then stop it completely. Already you have reduced it suddenly,so better take some precaution for a day or two. Take more liquids in day time to wash out the drug.

Seroqule will pose the same problem of daytime sedation (may be even more than valium!!). Moreover it is primarily an anti psychotic medicine and not a sleeping pill.

If you want a sleeping pill which only gives a good 5-6 hrs refeshing sleep - then zolpidem is the choice. It dosent give you and daytime sleepiness and you wake up fresh. 12.5 mg of zolpidem should be sufficient for you.

I hope the reply is useful for you.
Good luck and have a speedy recovery!

Dr. Manisha Gopal
MD Neuropsychiatry


Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Shanthi.E
doctor
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Follow up: Dr. Manisha Gopal (22 hours later)
Dear doctor
Last night I took 5mg of valium ,do you think tonight I wont take it,I mean stop taking valium completely? Thank for your help
doctor
Answered by Dr. Manisha Gopal (29 minutes later)
Brief Answer:
yes, it can be stopped from today

Detailed Answer:
Hello,

Yes, there is no problem if you stop taking 5mg valium from today.

There may be some issues with sleep but that will be temporary. You may try taking something like zolpidem 12.5 /6.25mg for the same. They are short acting and safe.

If you are afraid of stopping valium even now, then you may go for 2.5mg for today and stop completely tommorow. Basically there is no issue with stopping even now..ok.

. Good luck!
Dr . Manisha Gopal
MD Neuropsychiatry

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar
doctor
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Follow up: Dr. Manisha Gopal (27 hours later)
Thank doctor for yor advise. Last night I took 2,5mg of valium and nothing from tonight. Doctor can I have a glass of red wine or two tonight? I'm not a drinker but I feel like to have one or two glASSES tonight , thank for your help
doctor
Answered by Dr. Manisha Gopal (17 hours later)
Brief Answer:
please avoid any liquor.

Detailed Answer:
Hello,

Its so good that you asked about wine....
Please donot take any liquor now...espically at night or all our efforts might get washed away. Taking liquor may help you a little one day or that night but will surely become a big problem when you will stop it the next day. The whole cycle of anxiety and sleeplessness will return and again you will need some pill to sleep.
If you are worried about sleep without valium and for that you are looking towards liquor then it will be better to take valium 2.5mg for a day or two more; but not wine or beer or anysuch thing.

I hope you understand the point behind this.

Apart from liquor you may try taking juices but even tea and coffee should be preffrably avoided for few days after 4pm. They are stimulants and may hinder sleep when taken in evening or night hours.

Wish you good health
feel free to ask if you have any doubts.

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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Is It Advisable To Abruptly Stop The Intake Of Valium?

Brief Answer: continue valium for 1 day more. can replace with zolpidem Detailed Answer: Hello, I have read your query and can see that due to the sedative effects of valium all day long you want to stop it. You took 5mg last night and 20mg the night prior. I think it will be better if you take 5mg for another night and then stop it completely. Already you have reduced it suddenly,so better take some precaution for a day or two. Take more liquids in day time to wash out the drug. Seroqule will pose the same problem of daytime sedation (may be even more than valium!!). Moreover it is primarily an anti psychotic medicine and not a sleeping pill. If you want a sleeping pill which only gives a good 5-6 hrs refeshing sleep - then zolpidem is the choice. It dosent give you and daytime sleepiness and you wake up fresh. 12.5 mg of zolpidem should be sufficient for you. I hope the reply is useful for you. Good luck and have a speedy recovery! Dr. Manisha Gopal MD Neuropsychiatry