diazepam & sleep

[EyelinerAndCigarettes]

So due to acute anxiety, PTSD & panic attacks & a few other things, my psych put me on diazepam for 14 nights. I'm on the 13th night now & I'm feeling MORE exhausted than I did when I wasn't on them...

I was just wondering if anyone else has felt the same? I feel like I've been sleeping, but not actually sleep-sleeping, like deep proper sleep, almost fake sleep?!!

I'm also feeling really drained & dizzy when I wake up after taking it.

Obviously I'm not taking anymore after tonight, but I'm just curious of other peoples experience's.

[Bellatrix]

it's not really used for sleep, more anxiety, which is why it gives that fake sleep feeling as it's a sedative not a hypnotic

maybe next time ask if you can try zopliclone. don't use it too much though as both are addivtive <3

[Ballerina123]

it's not really used for sleep, more anxiety, which is why it gives that fake sleep feeling as it's a sedative not a hypnotic

maybe next time ask if you can try zopliclone. don't use it too much though as both are addivtive <3

I agree with this.

Have you tried good sleep practices like hot drinks, you rooms for sleeping only and hot baths before bed?

[EyelinerAndCigarettes]

Thanks guys, It was prescribed because I was having panic attacks before sleep, & then waking up in the night from nightmares, or just not sleeping because I was too anxious. Either way, last night I didn't take any & I actually feel like I've slept better! :)

I sorted my bedroom out to try & make it calmer, it was full of clutter which was kinda cluttering my mind & not helping me relax, so that helped too :)

[EvanO]

it's not really used for sleep, more anxiety, which is why it gives that fake sleep feeling as it's a sedative not a hypnotic


This isnt true. Its an anxiolytic, hypnotic, sedative, anticonvulasant among others. It is prescribed for insomnia as well. You may be feeling this way because it can suppress REM sleep

[sherlock holmes]

I'm not surprised you're feeling like that. Diazepam isn't really supposed to be used to help you sleep- it's a sedative so it will calm you down if you're having a panic attack. Yes it can send you to sleep if you take a higher dose but it won't be a 'normal' sleep it'll feel like you've been drugged!

Maybe ask to try Promethazine to help with anxiety/sleep as it's not a benzo so you won't feel so drugged from it.

[EvanO]

Promethazine is a neuroleptic (antipsychotic) it also acts as a strong sedative. I've personally used it for sleep, but it makes one feel "druggy" just as Valium makes you feel druggy . Personally, Valium works far better for me regarding sleep, but is also very addictive.

My best suggestion is try some herbal tea if your having trouble sleeping. Valerian root, chamomile, catnip, lemongrass etc... I'll usually take a benadryl and a strong cup of mixed tea and it works quite well. I like to try and avoid drugs if at all possible.

[Morpheus]

If you dont like taking too strong medications you can try motion sickness pills. My psych recommended that. You can get them over the counter and they can be quite sedative as there are antihistamines in them.

They didnt work for me, but they might for you. They are not really expensive either and some are more sedative than others, you can ask at the pharmacy for the ones that are.

Other than that i drink chamomile tea with honey as that has a calming effect as well. It helps me relax and if i go to bed more relaxed i am less likely to get nightmares which i struggle with as well. Warm milk with honey also helps.

At the moment i take something called Imozop for sleep. I believe its the danish name for something that is most likely available in the uk as well. It works quite good but the periods where i take them every day, like now as i am in a lot of physical pain, they dont work as well as when i only take them a couple of times a week. So i only take them this way in short periods of time, and then try to keep it to a couple of times a week when i am better.

[sherlock holmes]

Promethazine is actually an anti-histamine available over the counter which you can take to help you sleep or with sickness. It's not used as an antipsychotic and isn't really classed as such.

[Snow White.]

I'm so happy to hear that when you didn't take it last night you were able to get to bed and have a proper sleep. Well done petal :) x

[Ballerina123]

There are lot of mixed messages in this thread.

I think the op should speak with their doctor about the way they feel and get some proper medical advice

[sherlock holmes]

Yes that is the best advice for Helen to speak to her doctor :)

[EvanO]

Promethazine is actually an anti-histamine available over the counter which you can take to help you sleep or with sickness. It's not used as an antipsychotic and isn't really classed as such.

Here in America it's classed as a phenothiazine. (Same as thorazine) But you're right it's not really used as a neuroleptic. It still shocks me at all the medications you guys can get OTC over there. Anyway, I maintain that the OP should definitely try other things for sleep aids before trying pharmaceuticals.