The "next best thing" to diazepam depends entirely on the condition being treated (anxiety, seizures, muscle spasms, alcohol withdrawal) and can include other benzodiazepines, different classes of prescription medications, or non-pharmacological therapies.
BusPar (buspirone)
Unlike benzodiazepines, it does not cause drowsiness or cognitive impairment, and has a lower risk of dependence. Buspirone falls under the class of anxiolytics, and it works by interacting with serotonin and dopamine receptors in the brain, gradually alleviating anxiety symptoms over time.
Tell your healthcare provider if you feel that diazepam is not working. Call your healthcare provider right away or go to the nearest emergency room if you experience any of the following serious symptoms. Dependence and Withdrawal Reactions.
Propranolol and Xanax (alprazolam) are two medications that can treat anxiety. Xanax is FDA approved for certain types of anxiety, but propranolol isn't. It's used “off-label” in some cases. Propranolol is typically reserved for performance anxiety.
Beta blockers are quickly becoming the hot new drug to combat anxiety. The medication, also known as propranolol, was approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration in 1967 for the treatment of cardiovascular disease, and is commonly used to treat high blood pressure.
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.
If diazepam is causing severe anxiety, this is a sign you are taking too much of it, or for too long. The receptors in your brain are becoming dependant on it. It is time to consult your doctor if they are prescribing it to you.
Using cannabis, heroin or methadone with diazepam will increase the drowsy effects of diazepam. It can make you go into a very deep sleep. There's a risk you will not be able to breathe properly, and you may have difficulty waking up.
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.
An anti-anxiety medication called buspirone may be prescribed. In limited circumstances, your doctor may prescribe other types of medications, such as sedatives, also called benzodiazepines, or beta blockers. These medications are for short-term relief of anxiety symptoms and are not intended to be used long term.
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.
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.
drowsy or sedating antihistamines, such as chlorphenamine or promethazine. strong painkillers, such as codeine, methadone, morphine, oxycodone, pethidine or tramadol. HIV medicines, such as ritonavir, atazanavir, efavirenz or saquinavir. antifungal medicines, such as fluconazole.
Clonazepam, the most potent benzodiazepine, is used to treat seizures and anxiety disorders. Xanax can be considered the most potent benzodiazepine to treat anxiety.
If diazepam does not work or gives you side effects, your GP may suggest you try different medicines for treating anxiety or fits. For anxiety your GP may recommend a type of antidepressants called selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRI). For example, sertraline, paroxetine or escitalopram.
Two drugs that can't be taken together include opioids and alcohol, or benzodiazepines and alcohol, as this combination severely slows breathing and increases overdose risk, and also aspirin and ibuprofen (or other NSAIDs), which heighthens the danger of serious bleeding or stomach ulcers, highlighting the importance of checking all medications for dangerous interactions.
The Top 10 Medications for Anxiety
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.
Benzodiazepines. Benzodiazepines can increase the calming effect of certain chemicals in your brain. When you take a benzodiazepine, it can reduce anxiety and may help you sleep. Examples are diazepam and lorazepam.
Long-term side effects
Diazepam can cause withdrawal symptoms if you take it for a long time. If you're prescribed diazepam for more than 4 weeks, your dose may be reduced gradually when you stop taking it to prevent withdrawal symptoms.
Doctors prescribe beta-blockers for high blood pressure, anxiety and other conditions because the medications block the actions of stress hormones that raise the heart rate.
The weaker benzodiazepine drugs include:
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.