Question about use of Valium and withdrawl effects.. - Pain Management Message Board

tiggertoo2174 · 08-06-2008, 09:50 AM

I take Valium for a non-pain related condition, Meniere's disease (inner ear problem) to control vertigo, it's also a really good muscle relaxer as a side benefit. Since my biggest Meniere's trigger is quickly changing barometric pressure (no flying for me) my need for the Valium isn't at any consistent dose. From some of the posts I've read in the past few days I am becoming a bit concerned that there could be some ill effects if I end up taking it a few days in a row. I usually take 1/2 of a 5mg tablet at a time, although I'm scripted for up to 3 tablets a day if necessary. I rarely take a full tablet, only if there is a tornadic(sp?) system. Sometimes I take none at all for several weeks, sometimes I have to take it 3-4 times a day for several days. I've never had a problem when not taking it, but should I be concerned?

Tigg.

Clerklady · 08-06-2008, 10:09 AM

Tigg,

Thanks for the Mom about my mom, and like you after reading the wonderful imput about my Mom I too am some what intregued. I take a 2mg Valium for muscle spams in my back because of a buldging disc in my neck, and sleep issues. I only take it at night and have for several years. Although the last MRI I had tells that the disc has healed, I beg to differ, and still suffer with spams and pain. So I am curious, I do take it everynight weather I need it or not because of sleep issues, brought on by menopause, spams and plain old can't sleep and haven't for years. I have tried everthing from ambien to OTC PM med's. The only thing that works for me is Valium and unisome. Be looking forward to imput. Denise

Executor · 08-06-2008, 10:50 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by tiggertoo2174

From some of the posts I've read in the past few days I am becoming a bit concerned that there could be some ill effects if I end up taking it a few days in a row. I usually take 1/2 of a 5mg tablet at a time, although I'm scripted for up to 3 tablets a day if necessary. I rarely take a full tablet, only if there is a tornadic(sp?) system. Sometimes I take none at all for several weeks, sometimes I have to take it 3-4 times a day for several days. I've never had a problem when not taking it, but should I be concerned?

You are fine.....The comments you refer to were in relation to someone who was also taking other strong meds....The point being that one should be careful with combining any meds that are sedative in nature.

Many meds by themselves are perfectly safe, but when combined with others, can be toxic. Probably the best example is alcohol and Tylenol...Perfectly safe individually, but can kill you if combined, even in small amounts.

Your dose is more than adequate. In fact, you could take much more and be fine. Your Doc wouldn't have Rx'd you up to 3 x day if it weren't ok....Of course, unless he didn't know about something that you were taking previously.

Good question though....Never hurts to ask.

Regards,

Ex

cmpgirl · 08-06-2008, 11:22 PM

Tigg and clerklady,

Sorry if I scared anyone with my advice to clerklady. I take Xanax, which is also a benzodiazapine, and I have taken up to 1-2 mgs a day for a couple of weeks and had no trouble going back to less frequent doses.

The issues, as Ex said, are more about combining a benzo with very high amounts of pain meds or other sedative drugs. Also if you were to take higher doses of the Valium on a daily basis for an extended period of time, you should never stop cold turkey. Just like opiates/opioids, you would need to taper slowly.

Both of you should be just fine with the doses you take. I wouldn't worry about it. Take care, CMP/MM

sammyo1 · 08-07-2008, 08:03 AM

tigger how funny I am prescribed the same dose & do the same as you, 1/2 them or even less at times. Only because I cant afford to be tired all the time. I dont take it everyday but admitt that I need to try to take it more to see if I can get more control over the spasms. It has also been abit of a life saver for me when the spasms in the chest start to cause me to panic.
I honestly dont feel you or I have a problem & have never been to concerned about it, but I do feel more tired if I take it with the pain meds. So I try to space it if I can. I take it more at bedtime. I am just going to implement it abit more today to see if it will ease my breathing & rib/chest problem. Just wanted you to know I do the same as you. I am not sure what other meds you are on but its seems common for it to be prescirbed with alot of the pain meds. Take care my friend, Sammy