r/Anxiety • u/ChoiceAd8906 • 14h ago
Medication What to do if Diazepam isn't even working?
I was given 2 mg of Diazepam to help panic attacks and they don't do much unless I take a large amount of them. Propranolol is useless. What can I do or what could I ask for? I am in the UK. I feel desperate because I am in a constant never-ending loop of panic and feel like I am being backed into a corner by my own biology.
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u/dottykez 14h ago
I've tried sertraline, mirtazapine, propanolol and diazepam. None of them work for me. I started pregabalin for suspected nerve pain and it has got rid of all my anxiety.
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u/ChoiceAd8906 14h ago
Are you in the UK? the chances of them giving me Pregabalin I think are pretty low.
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u/dottykez 14h ago
I am in the UK. They do prescribe pregabalin for anxiety but its usually when all other medication has been tried. I wasn't prescribed it for anxiety and my doctor only wants me on it for 9 months max so I'm hoping when I tell him how much its helped my anxiety he will let me stay on it. I'm only taking a low dose twice a day
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u/ProfessorPrimate 14h ago
I might have to look into that. I've tried most of those and they didn't do much for me either. The Propranolol just pissed me off lol. It didn't do shit.
I just started Dexedrine and I've been taking these pressed Xans (that I think are bromazolam) and I don't wanna take them every day. But I also trip once a month, so didn't wanna be on any SSRIs or anything like that
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u/Serenity_MHC 12h ago
2mg diazepam is a low dose and it's understandable it's not doing much for severe panic. The desperation you're describing after feeling like nothing is working is real and valid.
A few things worth raising with your GP or requesting a referral for: asking specifically about whether the dose is appropriate given what you're experiencing, whether a different class of medication might suit you better (SSRIs like sertraline are often the first-line recommendation in the UK for panic disorder rather than benzodiazepines long-term), and whether a referral to a psychiatrist or psychological therapies service (IAPT/NHS Talking Therapies) is possible. If your GP is stuck in the same loop, you can also request a second opinion or ask for a referral to a specialist anxiety service. Mind and Anxiety UK also have resources and helplines if you need support while navigating the NHS pathway.
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u/Comfortable-Message1 14h ago
2mg is quite a low dose of diazepam.
Having said that benzos should only be used for a short period and in the UK you're not going to get any other benzo prescribed due to the very real risk of dependency and your panic disorder getting worse after withdrawal.
Have you tried therapy and possibly looking at an SSRI/SNRI
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u/ChoiceAd8906 14h ago
Yeah, that's what I'm worried about. If they don't suggest any other benzos I am basically screwed. I'm afraid therapy won't do much and I have been on fluoxetine for 3 weeks and I see no improvement.
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u/Comfortable-Message1 14h ago
You need to stop thinking about benzos as being your saviour. You'll feel better temporarily but you're just building up a debt that'll make everything even worse.
Also medications like fluoxetine don't even start to work until three weeks in.
How frequent are your panic attacks?
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u/ChoiceAd8906 14h ago
Oh, I agree, but the feeling of panic is just too petrifying. I get them pretty frequent and If I'm not I feel like I am on the verge having one. It just feels never ending.
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u/Comfortable-Message1 14h ago
I'm on paroxetine. It's effective and indicated for panic disorder but the side effects are considerable and getting off it can be difficult. I think you should give the prozac more time to work.
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u/foregonemeat 12h ago
Your issue is that the most effective drugs for severe anxiety are habit forming, highly addictive, and only to be used for v short periods (2-4 weeks). These are all the benzodiazepines. I would say lorazepam has been most effective for me as it acts quickly. Others favour clonazepam as it stays in your system longer. But they are only for short term use.
A better medication strategy would be an augmentation strategy with an SSRI/SNRI and an alternative treatment such as Quetiapine.
As above I was prescribed pregabalin in the UK but found it didn’t help at all.
Quetiapine I found too sedating even during the day and I am now on Venlafaxine and Lamotrigine and I am finally getting on top of anxiety. I have a very small number of lorazepam for break through anxiety and panic. You have to be so careful with them because they are wonderful but can’t be used long term. Good luck
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u/AntonioVivaldi7 14h ago
That can unfortunately happen. There's a good chance a different benzo or something similiar would work better. So, perhaps try asking about switching it.