[jtassar93]

So I've had my bipolar under control for a bit on lithium and olanzapine. I've been working on getting my anxiety and panic attacks lately. I've tried clonozepam and xanax so far.

My last appointment I told him the xanax made me drowsy a lot of the time and wasn't sure it was working. So he put me on valium and wow it's been a whole lot different. I didn't realize the xanax might have been actually working because I was too distracted by the drowsiness.

I'm on valium 5mg 3 times a day now. Could this have a negative affect on me? Lately I've been so obsessive that everything is neat and in order. I haven't been able to fall asleep and have been having racing thoughts. I feel like this might be a downward spiral for me. Should I stop taking the valium or is it something else?

[llleeelllaaannneee]

When I have med questions I usually turn to the Crazymeds site, there's a discussion forum there too ...
Crazymeds' Pages about Benzodiazepines (benzos) | The Good, the Bad & the Funny of these Crazy Meds

I'm not a dr and not qualified to say 'what it is'. I do suggest you contact your dr asap tho. Obsessive behavior, not sleeping, racing thoughts sound like mania symptoms. I wouldn't change anything without consulting him first. If you are experiencing mania and it's because your meds aren't keeping it at bay stopping the valium abruptly could give you some nasty rebound anxiety and make matters worse.

Hang in there!

[Crazy Hitch]

If it's in your pdocs opinion that the Valium is of benefit to you now, and you trust your pdoc's judgment, I think that given your current circumstances, this is fine.

Dosage / lowering / tapering down can be considered in consultation with you and your pdoc in due time.

Hang in there.

[Wander]

Valium has never done that to me but we are all different. I definitely agree you should see your pdoc soon to discuss this just in case it is tipping you off balance.