The closest prescription medications to diazepam (Valium) are other benzodiazepines, such as alprazolam (Xanax), lorazepam (Ativan), and clonazepam (Klonopin), as they work through the same mechanism in the brain. Non-addictive alternatives also exist.
Diazepam is available on prescription only. It comes as tablets, a liquid that you swallow, or in a rectal tube – medicine that's squeezed into your bottom (anus).
An anti-anxiety medicine with a milder effect is Buspirone (Buspar). Buspar is good for mild anxiety but doesn't appear to have an effect on panic attacks.
Compared to short-acting benzodiazepines like alprazolam (Xanax) or lorazepam (Ativan), diazepam stays in the bloodstream longer, meaning its effects last several hours to a full day.
Benzodiazepines (benzos, diazepam, valium) Benzodiazepines are a group of depressant drugs. There are many drugs in this group and some, such as diazepam (Valium), are prescribed as medicines in the UK. They're generally prescribed for anxiety or occasionally sleeping problems.
Clonazepam (Klonopin)
Effectiveness: High potency with a longer duration, making it suitable for ongoing anxiety and certain seizure disorders. Safety: It is less likely to cause memory-related side effects compared to some other benzos.
Propranolol is a beta blocker first approved by the FDA in 1967 to treat heart conditions and high blood pressure. Today, many clinicians also prescribe it off-label for short-term, situational anxiety because it calms the body's stress response.
Antidepressants: Tricyclic Antidepressants (TCAs) and Monoamine Oxidase Inhibitors (MAOIs) While SSRIs and SNRIs anxiety medication Australia are the first-line treatments for anxiety disorders, Tricyclic Antidepressants (TCAs) and Monoamine Oxidase Inhibitors (MAOIs) serve as secondary options.
Drugs such as Xanax (alprazolam), Klonopin (clonazepam), Valium (diazepam), and Ativan (lorazepam) work quickly, typically bringing relief within 30 minutes to an hour. That makes them very effective when taken during a panic attack or another overwhelming anxiety episode. However, they are physically addictive.
Benzodiazepines. Benzodiazepines, such as Klonopin (clonazepam), Xanax (alprazolam), and Valium (diazepam), are fast-acting medications that can provide immediate relief for anxiety.
Diazepam, sold under the brand name Valium among others, is a medication of the benzodiazepine family that acts as an anxiolytic. It is used to treat a range of conditions, including anxiety, seizures, alcohol withdrawal syndrome, muscle spasms, insomnia, and restless legs syndrome.
The usual dose is: anxiety – 2mg, taken 3 times a day, this can be increased to 5mg to 10mg, taken 3 times a day. sleep problems (related to anxiety) – 5mg to 15mg, taken once a day at bedtime. muscle spasms in adults – 2mg to 15 mg a day.
Anti-anxiety medications help reduce the symptoms of anxiety, such as panic attacks or extreme fear and worry. The most common anti-anxiety medications are called benzodiazepines. Benzodiazepines are a group of medications that can help reduce anxiety and make it easier to sleep.
Lorazepam 500 micrograms is approximately equivalent to diazepam 5mg.
Chamomile, kava, passionflower, ashwagandha and lemon balm are herbs that may help calm a racing mind. These 5 herbs may help balance cortisol levels, regulate the GABA system and calm the nervous system.
Caruso's Anxiety Aid helps to ease the symptoms associated with mild anxiety, stress and nervous tension. The unique ingredient Cyracos® is an extract of the herb Melissa officinalis, commonly known as Lemon balm.
The main treatments a GP may offer include:
To reduce anxiety immediately, use deep breathing (like the 4-7-8 method), ground yourself by focusing on your senses or 5-4-3-2-1 technique, try progressive muscle relaxation (tense and release muscles), engage in quick physical activity, or distract yourself with a short, enjoyable task or by shifting focus to another language. These techniques calm the nervous system and shift your focus from anxious thoughts to the present moment.
Prozac. Prozac (fluoxetine) is another widely prescribed SSRI that is effective in treating depression, anxiety disorders, and certain types of OCD. Like Zoloft, it works by increasing the availability of serotonin in the brain, which can help improve mood and reduce anxiety symptoms.
Compared to benzodiazepines, such as Xanax or Valium, propranolol is considered nonaddictive and is among the “mildest variety of anti-anxiety medication,” he says, but it is not without risk. Because propranolol works to reduce blood pressure and heart rate, if you reduce it too much, the person could faint.
SSRIs, SNRIs, buspirone, beta-blockers, pregabalin, gabapentin, hydroxyzine, PanX and diphenhydramine are all options for anxiety that are alternatives to addictive benzodiazepines. Non-pharmacological, non-narcotic treatments for anxiety are always best to use, when possible.
Types of Anti-Anxiety Medications
Selective Serotonin Reuptake Inhibitors (SSRIs): SSRIs can improve the availability of serotonin levels in your brain. Common SSRIs include Lexapro, Prozac, Luvox, and Zoloft.
The weaker benzodiazepine drugs include: