Hi,I am Dr. Alexander H. Sheppe (Psychiatrist). I will be looking into your question and guiding you through the process. Please write your question below.
Will valium become more effective over time? I know it is supposed to work instantly, yet I have been going up and down on doses for a few weeks now as I don't want to be on them. I do ok taking 5mg at night for a week, and then try to stop, or lower the dose, and end up a few days later needing 20mg just to stop a night time anxiety attack. Then I drop back to the 5mg for awhile do ok for a week, and again try to lower or stop...and the cycle continues. Is it better to just keep taking it at 5mg daily no matter what and leave it alone for awhile...husband and some web sites say that valium will become more effective if I take it daily to build up the same level in my body.
Valium is diazepam, and it is a benzodiazepine drug. It is used in a lot of disorders like anxiety disorders, in confusions, in depressive disorders, in insomnias etc. It is known to cause dependence. As per available literature if taken for long time tolerance to its doses occurs and more and more amounts of drug are needed to get therapeutic effect. Its effect doesn't increase with time. I would advise you to take this drug only when needed and don't self medicate as it may lead to dependence.
HI,
thanks for using health care magic.
You have not mentioned why you are taking valium.
Valium is diazepam , benzodiazepine in nature. It is used for sleep mainly associated with primary drug treatment as per cause. for a short term it may be used for anxiety.
Valium is having addictive properties. as you go on increasing, you require higher dose of it.
Rather than doing self medication, You should consult psychiatrist for detailed evaluation and treatment.
Valium use should be restricted only as and when required basis only. meanwhile you can try
stress management and relaxation techniques like yoga and meditation for better sleep and relaxation.
thanks
Hi Monchi2175,
Welcome to HCM Forum,
I can understand how anxious feeling you might be having specially when medicine not working.
By knowing that increasing dose of said medicine is not helping - means that
1) you are addicted to mentioned drug ( so u now requiring higher doses for similar effect you perceived previously i.e.tolerance,unable to stop urself from taking further doses )
2) there are chances that you might be having underlying untreated psychiatric illness (? anxiety disorder or other illness) where taking mentioned drug giving just symptomatic relief and not correcting underlying pathology.
Though taking Valium regularly will help only for 4-6 weeks,later on same medicine become ineffective unless underlying pathology corrected and starts showing its withdrawal effect when you suddenly starts stopping.
So consult in person to nearest psychiatrist to know exact underlying problem and take appropriate treatment as advised.
Hope it helps.Best regards.
I find this answer helpful
You found this answer helpful
Note: For further guidance on mental health, Click here.
Disclaimer: These answers are for your information only and not intended to replace your relationship with your treating physician.
This is a short, free answer.
For a more detailed, immediate answer, try our premium service
[Sample answer]
We use cookies in order to offer you most relevant experience and using this website you acknowledge that you have already read and understood our
Privacy Policy
Will Valium Become More Effective Over Time?
Hello Welcome to HCM Valium is diazepam, and it is a benzodiazepine drug. It is used in a lot of disorders like anxiety disorders, in confusions, in depressive disorders, in insomnias etc. It is known to cause dependence. As per available literature if taken for long time tolerance to its doses occurs and more and more amounts of drug are needed to get therapeutic effect. Its effect doesn t increase with time. I would advise you to take this drug only when needed and don t self medicate as it may lead to dependence. Thanks Dr. Seikhoo Bishnoi, MD