Diazepam side effects
Discussion
I have chronic back pain issues, for many years, it generally comes and goes as it is a muscular rather than disc issue.
I have strong stomach muscles but 2 kids, weight gain (working on that) and a new more intense job have taken their toll.
Visiting Osteopath, due to start pilates class (all costs though) and weight watchers to continue wt loss I have started but in meantime NP has px 2 weeks Diazepam 5mg 1 at night to try and relieve muscle spasming. I am not sure if it has helped yet (5 days in) knocks me out though! Problem is today I have had dizzy,unsteady spells 14hrs post medication. I am aware that valium has a long half-life but I am surprised to be feeling like this so many days after starting them. I'm phoning Dr's tom (off too work soon though delayed as need to drive!) but really want to know if anyone has experienced similar and if they got worse or improved.
I am only on them for another week but that's a long time if I continue to feel like this!!
Thank you!
I have strong stomach muscles but 2 kids, weight gain (working on that) and a new more intense job have taken their toll.
Visiting Osteopath, due to start pilates class (all costs though) and weight watchers to continue wt loss I have started but in meantime NP has px 2 weeks Diazepam 5mg 1 at night to try and relieve muscle spasming. I am not sure if it has helped yet (5 days in) knocks me out though! Problem is today I have had dizzy,unsteady spells 14hrs post medication. I am aware that valium has a long half-life but I am surprised to be feeling like this so many days after starting them. I'm phoning Dr's tom (off too work soon though delayed as need to drive!) but really want to know if anyone has experienced similar and if they got worse or improved.
I am only on them for another week but that's a long time if I continue to feel like this!!
Thank you!
Diazepam is a long acting benzodiazepine. It can have side effects several hours after taking.
If you've found little benefit in taking it thus far - I would suggest stopping until you see / speak to your GP.
If you're finding pain / sleep a problem, ask for an alternative (opiates / gabapentin / amitriptyline ... )
All the best
If you've found little benefit in taking it thus far - I would suggest stopping until you see / speak to your GP.
If you're finding pain / sleep a problem, ask for an alternative (opiates / gabapentin / amitriptyline ... )
All the best
If you haven't found benefit from it then why keep taking it? Those kind of meds float around in your system for quite a long time and can definitely make you feel spaced out.
To be honest Valium seems like an odd choice for a chronic back issue. They normally only give it for 1-2 weeks immediately after a new episode of back pain due to the fact that the benefits wear off very quickly and tolerance/dependence sets in.
I would have thought there are better options for chronic back pain, as mentioned above.
To be honest Valium seems like an odd choice for a chronic back issue. They normally only give it for 1-2 weeks immediately after a new episode of back pain due to the fact that the benefits wear off very quickly and tolerance/dependence sets in.
I would have thought there are better options for chronic back pain, as mentioned above.
Because it has only been 5 days, can't assume no response will occur in such a short time, today was the first time I could do all my exercises so I did think there was some progress but it was shortlived now I am back at work.
It was px as a muscle relaxant as my because my muscles keeping spasming etc and I had not been px anything like this before (diclofenac, ibuprofen etc make very little difference)
I will look into alternatives thank you.
They have suggested a scan if things don't improve.
It does advise against stopping suddenly so I was going to half dose tonight.
It was px as a muscle relaxant as my because my muscles keeping spasming etc and I had not been px anything like this before (diclofenac, ibuprofen etc make very little difference)
I will look into alternatives thank you.
They have suggested a scan if things don't improve.
It does advise against stopping suddenly so I was going to half dose tonight.
Edited by bexVN on Wednesday 9th March 16:29
I was prescribed diazepam for back muscle spasm (it was a disc issue, but the muscles spasm'd to protect it - have you had an MRI done to make sure there isn't an underlying disc problem?)
It knocked me out - literally! I could take it, and pretty much "wake up" hours later. Not sure of the dosage though. I wasn't on it long enough to have withdrawal (the tramadol was another issue!)
ETA - just saw they are talking about a scan if things don't improve. Do it if you can!
It knocked me out - literally! I could take it, and pretty much "wake up" hours later. Not sure of the dosage though. I wasn't on it long enough to have withdrawal (the tramadol was another issue!)
ETA - just saw they are talking about a scan if things don't improve. Do it if you can!
It was part of several years of investigation and treatment, but the scan showed exactly what was going on. Ultimately it led to a lot of physio and then two surgeries and revolutionised my life, but until the first MRI we could only speculate (with a high degree of certainty) about exactly what the problem was, and how severe it was.
In my case severely herniated L4/5 disc. First surgery was a microdiscectomy and second was a fusion as there was too much damage for an artificial disc. What frustrated me (with hindsight) was seeing chiros, osteos and various other people who were treating symptoms without knowing what exactly was going on with my body. I ended up in a massive spasm on the osteo table and he just packed me off into my car and I never heard from him again. I don't know what he did, but it made things a lot worse. Possibly because he didn't have the whole picture.
It's not all as straightforward as that obviously, but it seems sensible to me, that if symptoms carry on beyond a certain timeframe or level then why not see exactly what's going on.....
In my case severely herniated L4/5 disc. First surgery was a microdiscectomy and second was a fusion as there was too much damage for an artificial disc. What frustrated me (with hindsight) was seeing chiros, osteos and various other people who were treating symptoms without knowing what exactly was going on with my body. I ended up in a massive spasm on the osteo table and he just packed me off into my car and I never heard from him again. I don't know what he did, but it made things a lot worse. Possibly because he didn't have the whole picture.
It's not all as straightforward as that obviously, but it seems sensible to me, that if symptoms carry on beyond a certain timeframe or level then why not see exactly what's going on.....
VolvoT5 said:
dreamer75 said:
ETA - just saw they are talking about a scan if things don't improve. Do it if you can!
Just out of interest what benefit did you get from the scan? Did you decide to have surgery?It sounds as though you have a good treatment plan lined up (exercise / weight loss). What you need now is a good painkiller to enable you to achieve your plan.
All the best
Thanks for the replies all. Some useful info.
Re driving I was told it would depend on how I feel and that's what the data sheet implies.
I am only taking one at night, I take it by 9pm and generally won't be driving a car until 9am earliest next day. This was the first morning I have felt dizzy etc so I told work and I didn't drive in until 1pm.
I was going to take half a tablet tonight but seeing as I have only just got home from work I'm going to have to give it a miss!
I don't think a scan would be a bad idea, this has been going on for years, both parents have suffered slipped discs and my sister had surgery for a herniated disc last yr!!
Re driving I was told it would depend on how I feel and that's what the data sheet implies.
I am only taking one at night, I take it by 9pm and generally won't be driving a car until 9am earliest next day. This was the first morning I have felt dizzy etc so I told work and I didn't drive in until 1pm.
I was going to take half a tablet tonight but seeing as I have only just got home from work I'm going to have to give it a miss!
I don't think a scan would be a bad idea, this has been going on for years, both parents have suffered slipped discs and my sister had surgery for a herniated disc last yr!!
Edited by bexVN on Thursday 10th March 01:06
meddyg said:
There is a good point being made here. A scan is only necessary if you're considering surgery. From your history, it sounds as though your problems are mainly muscular, and if so it's unlikely surgery is an option. Consequently, a scan may not really be of great benefit.
It sounds as though you have a good treatment plan lined up (exercise / weight loss). What you need now is a good painkiller to enable you to achieve your plan.
^This was the point I was getting at, albeit a bit cheaply. It sounds as though you have a good treatment plan lined up (exercise / weight loss). What you need now is a good painkiller to enable you to achieve your plan.
Symptoms don't often correlate to what is on the scan and even with a positive (or should that be negative?) scan the course of treatment isn't usually altered. Surgery is of questionable benefit unless you are in an emergency situation.
I'm not trying to be depressive here but scans are probably offering most people nothing but false hope of diagnostic certainty and an easy fix. Back pain is a lot more vague than that and dealing with any chronic pain is about finding a mixture of lifestyle changes and medications to try and manage the problem.
Personally I would be asking for better pain relief so I can go about the exercise/weight loss/physio. Anti-inflammatories are another rant all together....... does anyone find those things effective? Does anyone taking them regularly still have a stomach lining left?
If they are willing to dish out valium for chronic pain then I would have thought they could stretch to a bit of co-codamol or tramadol - that will relax your muscles and tackle your pain.
Edited by VolvoT5 on Thursday 10th March 09:27
Thank you. Co codamol helps but again I can only take at night same with Tramadol 
. I just can't function well with those type of meds.
My job is the biggest crux. 12hrs on my feet yest, bending twisting awkwardly, standing for a couple hrs for an anaesthetic (sitting that long doesn't help either) Colleagues do there very best to limit me being put into difficult situations but even holding a wriggly cat yesterday caused it to twinge!
It is not an uncommon problem in my line of work and many seem to end up on Co codamol etc!
Would a scan not be worth it to at least rule out things?
. I just can't function well with those type of meds.My job is the biggest crux. 12hrs on my feet yest, bending twisting awkwardly, standing for a couple hrs for an anaesthetic (sitting that long doesn't help either) Colleagues do there very best to limit me being put into difficult situations but even holding a wriggly cat yesterday caused it to twinge!
It is not an uncommon problem in my line of work and many seem to end up on Co codamol etc!
Would a scan not be worth it to at least rule out things?
I have Tramadol and Diazapam for disc issues and back spasms, just take as required. I sometimes feel a little light headed but no more than that. I only take them occasionally as and when required because I was worried about the long term effects. They are also quite good for long haul flights, just up the dosage 
tuffer said:
I have Tramadol and Diazapam for disc issues and back spasms, just take as required. I sometimes feel a little light headed but no more than that. I only take them occasionally as and when required because I was worried about the long term effects. They are also quite good for long haul flights, just up the dosage
. I don't like flying and my Sister lives in Oz, maybe I should save a Diazepam for the next time (no idea when!) we go.I am very wary of dependency. Though for me I don't see that being an issue as I hate the side effects of these meds too much!
I'm looking for a miraculous solution but it isn't going to happen. Truth is I need to consider a career change as right now I am thoroughly miserable. I dread work because of it.
Digressing slightly but appreciating the replies and suggestions.
Hi I took this a while ago for other reason (Depression so as a sleeping pill) and found some times it worked sometimes it was less effective so was then prescribed Tamazipan (spelling?). Any how 5mg is not a lot and you have a short prescription so I would not worry about becoming addicted or being in a drug fueled haze for too long.
The symptoms you describe sound normal, it will make you dorwzy and uncoordinated so do avoid driving operating wood chippers etc. Pain wise I have also had in last few years ruptured disc's again sleeping medication does not always help but in conjunction with other treatment (physio etc or even surgery) it all adds to a better long term solution.
SO dont panic speak to your GP and take it as an when you need to.
The symptoms you describe sound normal, it will make you dorwzy and uncoordinated so do avoid driving operating wood chippers etc. Pain wise I have also had in last few years ruptured disc's again sleeping medication does not always help but in conjunction with other treatment (physio etc or even surgery) it all adds to a better long term solution.
SO dont panic speak to your GP and take it as an when you need to.
I've had two major back ops and several key hole jobs & denervations.
I take these when I get back & leg spasms. I have done for over 10 years but don't take it regularly so between 5 & 10mg tends to knock me out. This releases the spasms but when you wake, you're very groggy.
You quickly become used to it so it's not a good long term regular drug.
I'd not go anywhere near a car on them either.
I'm on a minimum 21 tablets a day for my back issues, including tramadol, naproxen & pregablin and also take methotrexate once a week for arthritis.
Ref the osteopath, be careful as these can do more harm than good (manipulation).
Good luck with it all.
I take these when I get back & leg spasms. I have done for over 10 years but don't take it regularly so between 5 & 10mg tends to knock me out. This releases the spasms but when you wake, you're very groggy.
You quickly become used to it so it's not a good long term regular drug.
I'd not go anywhere near a car on them either.
I'm on a minimum 21 tablets a day for my back issues, including tramadol, naproxen & pregablin and also take methotrexate once a week for arthritis.
Ref the osteopath, be careful as these can do more harm than good (manipulation).
Good luck with it all.
Edited by Squadrone Rosso on Thursday 10th March 11:02
Squadrone Rosso said:
I've had two major back ops and several key hole jobs & denervations.
I take these when I get back & leg spasms. I have done for over 10 years but don't take it regularly so between 5 & 10mg tends to knock me out. This releases the spasms but when you wake, you're very groggy.
You quickly become used to it so it's not a good long term regular drug.
I'd not go anywhere near a car on them either.
I'm on a minimum 21 tablets a day for my back issues, including tramadol, naproxen & pregablin and also take methotrexate once a week for arthritis.
Ref the osteopath, be careful as these can do more harm than good (manipulation).
Good luck with it all.
Bloody hell I take these when I get back & leg spasms. I have done for over 10 years but don't take it regularly so between 5 & 10mg tends to knock me out. This releases the spasms but when you wake, you're very groggy.
You quickly become used to it so it's not a good long term regular drug.
I'd not go anywhere near a car on them either.
I'm on a minimum 21 tablets a day for my back issues, including tramadol, naproxen & pregablin and also take methotrexate once a week for arthritis.
Ref the osteopath, be careful as these can do more harm than good (manipulation).
Good luck with it all.
Edited by Squadrone Rosso on Thursday 10th March 11:02
. My issues pale into insignificance in comparison to that. I am worried about the future re my back as it is becoming a consistent problem rather than flare ups. Osteopath worked brilliantly in the past but not so great this time. I never felt Dr's took it to seriously, so not seen them for a long time for it, this NP was the first time I had been px something significant for my back, previously it was take paracetamol and ibuprofen!
The replies here have been really helpful and more valuable than my original query!!! I need to make changes, it worries me how the chronic pain is bringing me down a lot. Time to snap out of it!
I too have bad lower back problems. My doctor gave me codeine and valium when I crawled round there and begged for something as I needed to be at work that afternoon.
I took them and got the train to work.
I have to say it was great. I felt relaxed and mellow and problems at work and multiple questions did not bother me. I was supervising a TV show.
I still take the codeine if I am in a lot of pain but have saved the valium for emergencies. I have found it helps with anxiety.
I took them and got the train to work.
I have to say it was great. I felt relaxed and mellow and problems at work and multiple questions did not bother me. I was supervising a TV show.
I still take the codeine if I am in a lot of pain but have saved the valium for emergencies. I have found it helps with anxiety.
croyde said:
I too have bad lower back problems. My doctor gave me codeine and valium when I crawled round there and begged for something as I needed to be at work that afternoon.
I took them and got the train to work.
I have to say it was great. I felt relaxed and mellow and problems at work and multiple questions did not bother me. I was supervising a TV show.
I still take the codeine if I am in a lot of pain but have saved the valium for emergencies. I have found it helps with anxiety.
Co-codamol is a good drug. I have 30/500 to take. Usually when I get home from work. They make me fly and upset the guts though. Like pooping a pineapple...lol.I took them and got the train to work.
I have to say it was great. I felt relaxed and mellow and problems at work and multiple questions did not bother me. I was supervising a TV show.
I still take the codeine if I am in a lot of pain but have saved the valium for emergencies. I have found it helps with anxiety.
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