Ask Me Help Desk - Taking Valium. What Do You Think and Know, Please?

Taking Valium. What Do You Think and Know, Please?

I'm having minor surgery in the morning where I will be awake and for which I've been prescribed some Valium prior to the surgery.

If you've taken Valium or are knowledgeable about it, I would appreciate learning about what you know.

For instance:

How did or does it make you feel?
What side effects, if any have you had or could there be?
Does it make you not feel pain?
If it was prescribed to you prior to having surgery, did it help to calm you before having surgery and during the surgery?
Have you ever been prescribed it on an ongoing basis?
How did you feel overall, when taking it?
Is it addictive?

Thanks!

Sorry for not going into much detail here, my partner is in bed but I know when he used to take Valium for an illness it just used to make him feel really drowsy and he would go to sleep.

My mum also used to take it for sleep problems.

Is it a surgery where you NEED to be awake, or just one where they are using local anesthetic?
Hopefully you can just sleep through the surgery if it's the latter!

Although I haven't taken it, it is a mild sedative. It's commonly used for people for, for instance, are claustrophobic for procedures such as MRI's.

It should relax you. http://www.mentalmeds.org/prescription_meds/Valium.pdf

I can't help you with the valium, I just wanted to wish you luck and a speedy recovery.

Take care of yourself Clough. This better not effect your time here. ;)

Hugs dear. Be well.

Quote:

Originally Posted by shazamataz

Sorry for not going into much detail here, my partner is in bed but I know when he used to take Valium for an illness it just used to make him feel really drowsy and he would go to sleep.

My mum also used to take it for sleep problems.

Is it a surgery where you NEED to be awake, or just one where they are using local anesthetic?
Hopefully you can just sleep through the surgery if it's the latter!

Hi, shazy!

It was decided by the surgeon that I would be awake. It is also just local anesthetic.

Thanks!

Quote:

Originally Posted by KeepItSimpleStupid

Although I haven't taken it, it is a mild sedative. It's commonly used for people for, for instance, are claustrophobic for procedures such as MRI's.

It should relax you. http://www.mentalmeds.org/prescription_meds/Valium.pdf

Hi, KISS!

I'm hoping that it will really relax me to the point that I'm not as nervous about what's happening.

Thanks!

Hi Clough,

Valium is a commonly used as a drug for conscious sedation alone or in combination with narcotics to help produce a state of relaxation and/or pain relief during a minor surgical procedure. I've had it prescribed to me for such purpose and I've assisted with many patients who have been prescribed valium.

Valium is a diazapam, in the benzodiazapine class of tranquilizer. After taking valium the person would normally feel relaxed and a little sleepy, maybe a little wobbly or dizzy, but usually not unpleasant. Valium is prescribed for a variety of things, such as anxiety, muscle spasm, alcohol withdrawal, epilepsy, stress, to name a few. It is addictive, however most people can take it for short periods without ever developing an addiction. Most people who take it as prescribed do not develop an addiction. If you have been prescribed valium for a prolonged period at a high dose, you could get addicted.

When I took it, I felt fine. The effects wear off in a few hours.

Be sure to take the valium exactly as prescribed and you should not have any problems. I'll be thinking of you.

Be sure to rest all day tomorrow, even if you feel up to doing things, you better rest! Don't bend over or lean forward, and no straining.

Quote:

Originally Posted by Altenweg

I can't help you with the valium, I just wanted to wish you luck and a speedy recovery.

Take care of yourself Clough. This better not effect your time here. ;)

Hugs dear. Be well.

Thank you so much, Alty! Your thoughts and well-wishes are much appreciated! :)

Quote:

Originally Posted by Altenweg

This better not effect your time here. ;)

Hugs dear. Be well.

Gosh! I would hate to see my pay here get docked because of my being gone! :D

Quote:

Originally Posted by thisisit

Hi Clough,

Valium is a commonly used as a drug for conscious sedation alone or in combination with narcotics to help produce a state of relaxation and/or pain relief during a minor surgical procedure. I've had it prescribed to me for such purpose and I've assisted with many patients who have been prescribed valium.

Valium is a diazapam, in the benzodiazapine class of tranquilizer. After taking valium the person would normally feel relaxed and a little sleepy, maybe a little wobbly or dizzy, but usually not unpleasant. Valium is prescribed for a variety of things, such as anxiety, muscle spasm, alcohol withdrawal, epilepsy, stress, to name a few. It is addictive, however most people can take it for short periods of time without ever developing an addiction. Most people who take it as prescribed do not develop an addiction. If you have been prescribed valium for a prolonged period at a high dose, you could get addicted.

When I took it, I felt fine. The effects wear off in a few hours.

Be sure to take the valium exactly as prescribed and you should not have any problems. I'll be thinking of you.

Be sure to rest all day tomorrow, even if you feel up to doing things, you better rest! Don't bend over or lean forward, and no straining.

Hey, thisisit!

Thanks so much for the information and caring so much! :)

I'd best be getting to bed. Have been waiting for my daughter to get home from work. She'll be driving me to and from the hospital.

We both need to get up really early!

Let us know how it goes and that you're all right.

Good luck Clough and don't worry, you'll be fine. :)

Quote:

Gosh! I would hate to see my pay here get docked because of my being gone!

You get paid! :(

Quote:

Altenweg agrees
You're welcome. Just come back to us healthy dear. You know I worry when my friends aren't 100%.

Yeah. Those of us who've been around awhile here know that your caring and concern goes far beyond that of the average person!

Thanks!

I have been given valium. It relaxes you--a lot. It keeps you from worrying or stressing out. And to the extent it relaxes you, you are less likely to worry about and feel pain. It's a good thing to take before surgery. But you should not drive or operate any machinery while on it.

Also, and this is very important, don't keep taking it. I was prescribed it for back pain and they kept giving it to me for several months. It was VERY unpleasant to get off because people experience extreme anxiety when they stop taking it. But that won't happen if you just take it once or for a day or two.

Hope your surgery is minor and goes off without a hitch!
Take care.

Quote:

Originally Posted by Altenweg

Let us know how it goes and that you're all right.

Good luck Clough and don't worry, you'll be fine. :)

Quote:

Gosh! I would hate to see my pay here get docked because of my being gone!

You get paid! :(

Oh, no! I shouldn't have let that be known! ;)

Yeah, you bet I do! My payments in love, friendship and the sharing of knowledge and caring with people like you might be jeopardized if I didn't show up for awhile!

Quote:

Originally Posted by Clough

Oh, no! I shouldn't have let that be known! ;)

Yeah, you bet I do! My payments in love, friendship and the sharing of knowledge and caring with people like you might be jeopardized if I didn't show up for awhile!

Oh, that pay. I get that pay too. :)

Now go to bed young man, you need to be well rested for tomorrow. That's my best mom voice so you better listen, otherwise no TV for a day. Oh, okay, 1 hour. Oh, okay, forget it, just go to bed and sleep. :)

Quote:

Originally Posted by asking

I have been given valium. It relaxes you--a lot. It keeps you from worrying or stressing out. And to the extent it relaxes you, you are less likely to worry about and feel pain. It's a good thing to take before surgery. But you should not drive or operate any machinery while on it.

Also, and this is very important, don't keep taking it. I was prescribed it for back pain and they kept giving it to me for several months. It was VERY unpleasant to get off because people experience extreme anxiety when they stop taking it. But that won't happen if you just take it once or for a day or two.

Hope your surgery is minor and goes off without a hitch!
Take care.

Hi, asking!

I was told to take two before walking in the door of the hospital, and then one when I went inside.

I don't plan to keep taking it. Although, I do suffer from extreme back pain.

The surgery is minor. But, I'm sure that anyone who has had any kind of cutting by a surgeon, especially if they have been awake during the surgery, can identify with what I'm thinking and experiencing!

Thanks!

Quote:

Originally Posted by Clough

Hi, asking!

I was told to take two before walking in the door of the hospital, and then one when I went inside.

I don't plan to keep taking it. Although, I do suffer from extreme back pain.

The surgery is minor. But, I'm sure that anyone who has had any kind of cutting by a surgeon, especially if they have been awake during the surgery, can identify with what I'm thinking and experiencing!

Thanks!

The valium should work very well if you take it just like that. Take 2 before you go, then another one when you get inside... you won't be worrying about anything :)

Quote:

Originally Posted by Clough
Oh, no! I shouldn't have let that be known!

Yeah, you bet I do! My payments in love, friendship and the sharing of knowledge and caring with people like you might be jeopardized if I didn't show up for awhile!

Quote:

Originally Posted by Altenweg

Oh, that pay. I get that pay too. :)

Now go to bed young man, you need to be well rested for tomorrow. That's my best mom voice so you better listen, otherwise no TV for a day. Oh, okay, 1 hour. Oh, okay, forget it, just go to bed and sleep. :)

Oh, no! Does that mean no piano praticing for a day! :eek: I don't watch T.V.

Quote:

Now go to bed young man...

How did you know? :confused: I thought that I had everyone fooled! :p

Quote:

That's my best mom voice

Yes, and thanks, MOM! :D

Quote:

Originally Posted by Clough
Hi, asking!

I was told to take two before walking in the door of the hospital, and then one when I went inside.

I don't plan to keep taking it. Although, I do suffer from extreme back pain.

The surgery is minor. But, I'm sure that anyone who has had any kind of cutting by a surgeon, especially if they have been awake during the surgery, can identify with what I'm thinking and experiencing!

Thanks!

Quote:

Originally Posted by thisisit

The valium should work very well if you take it just like that. Take 2 before you go, then another one when you get inside... you won't be worrying about anything :)

They're 2 MG tablets.

Quote:

you won't be worrying about anything

Even when the surgeon is slicing the skin off my collarbone like cheese? :eek: :confused:

The valium is going to help. If they offer you an IV with narcotics to go along with the valium, say yes. Though even with just the valium, you are also going to get local shots to make you numb. You'll probably be OK, but if you are anxious at all tell the doctor. They have all the medicine you will need to feel comfortable, all you have to do is tell the doctor if you are scared or in pain. They are going to want you relaxed enough to hold still, and if you are tense you are more likely to not hold still. So be sure to tell the doctor if you feel scared or worried at all.

Quote:

Originally Posted by thisisit

The valium is going to help. If they offer you an IV with narcotics to go along with the valium, say yes. Though even with just the valium, you are also going to get local shots to make you numb. You'll probably be ok, but if you are anxious at all tell the doctor. They have all the medicine you will need to feel comfortable, all you have to do is tell the doctor if you are scared or in pain. They are going to want you relaxed enough to hold still, and if you are tense you are more likely to not hold still. So be sure to tell the doctor if you feel scared or worried at all.

I know the surgeon personally. He also knows me, and a lot about me.

His comment to his former nurse of about 26 years, who is also a very dear and close friend of mine, that upon learning about my condition, was that they would have to literally drag me into the hospital!

I didn't do very well, the last time when he removed a cyst that turned out to be benign from one of my breasts!

I know that I'll be even more anxious, unless I get to bed, right now!

Thank you all so much for your information, concern and especially, the caring! :)

Clough, Valium is very addictive, but don't let that fact change your mind on taking it. Your doctor wants you to be relaxed, and they will do the job. Like someone mentioned, don't drive after taking it though.

God bless you.

True, Valium is addictive, but 2mg is barely anything, to someone who has never taken it before though it would do wonders. To someone who takes it regularly enough to become addicted, 2mg would feel like they hadn't taken any at all.

Hi C:)

I can help you understand the addiction side of taking medications, even for the correct reasons.

A year ago I had surgery on my knee,they prescribed Darvocet for the recovery(I think,it's been a whole your,you know... lol)anyway, I took them as I was supposed to.

At first,I needed them for the pain, soon I was taking them for the pleasure,then I had none and wanted more, with my past record of addiction,I fully expected this to happen,Upon stopping I went through withdraws,moodiness(above and beyond the 'normal' bipolar stuff),attitudes, etc.

Last summer I had surgery for my right hand(carpel tunnel release)I was prescribed Darvocet(I remember them.. lol)I took them for the pain,then for the pleasure,had withdraws,moodiness and attitude,, (pattern forming)

A few weeks ago I had surgery for my left hand(carpel tunnel release)I was prescribed Darvocet,I took them for the pain,then for the pleasure,am now having withdraws,moodiness and attitude.. (Pattern complete)

Do I know I am an addict, Sure,I've known that since '85.

Does an addict change their stripes even though they stop taking drugs,, NEVER!Once an addict,always an addict.

You have seen me,do I look like some street junky? no,I am just another person in the world with an addictive personality.

I can't say you don't have an addictive personality,only you can, knowing the symptoms like I have described as to addiction,you can make you mind up as to the addictive nature of you!(BTW,I am not unique in this personality, most addicts are just like this, clean or not)

If you really think you might be taking the pills,or anything that you might think seems wrong, ask, seek advice from people you trust, I hope I am one of them,I would surely try to advise you in the addictive medication,abuse, etc area, always have,always will.

Take care my friend, I'll be thinking about you today.\

Ken

I don't think we need to worry about the addiction part of valium with Clough. You see, the valium will be, most likely, only given once right before surgery. It won't be given after. It's just enough to take the edge off. He will not be given a prescription for afterward. It is usually used for surgery to put the patient into what is known as a twilight sleep, or conscious sedation. They are conscious, but feel no pain and don't care what is going on.

Most times, with surgery, Valium is given IV, not PO.

So, let's not put the cart before the horse. He's worried enough, we don't need him to worry about addiction on top of this. In that case, he may refuse the Valium, which could spell disaster for the surgery team.

I only added this description as I believe he is already in surgery, I wouldn't send a message like this for scare tactics,or to upset him before surgery, at least I believe he is already there.

I only stated that those are the symptoms I go through and if he is concerned he can call me,PM me,whatever, just information.

Quote:

Originally Posted by jmjoseph

Clough, Valium is very addictive, but don't let that fact change your mind on taking it. Your doctor wants you to be relaxed, and they will do the job. Like someone mentioned, don't drive after taking it though.

God bless you.

All is now done concerning the surgery on me locally. More about that later on the other thread that I started...

I can barely see right now. No "eyes" are in and there's this great, big cotton ball thingy on my nose in between my eyes

I definitely was relaxed with just two of the Valium! So much so, that the medical personnel wouldn't allow me to take the third one that had been prescribed to me.

My daughter drove me to and from the hospital.

God Bless You Too, jmjoseph!

Thanks!

I'm glad you are home and the valium worked! I didn't want to scare you, but it totally does the same thing to me :). Some people can tolerate a lot more though, so its good the doctor gave you enough!

Glad you are well Clough, I hope you can get those cotton balls off soon!

Glad all went well and that you are home safely. Heal quickly so you can see again, okay?

Quote:

Originally Posted by KBC

Hi C:)

I can help you understand the addiction side of taking medications,,even for the correct reasons.

A year ago I had surgery on my knee,they prescribed Darvocet for the recovery(I think,it's been a whole your,ya know...lol)anyway,,I took them as I was supposed to.

At first,I needed them for the pain,,soon I was taking them for the pleasure,then I had none and wanted more,,with my past record of addiction,I fully expected this to happen,Upon stopping I went through withdraws,moodiness(above and beyond the 'normal' bipolar stuff),attitudes,,etc.

Last summer I had surgery for my right hand(carpel tunnel release)I was prescribed Darvocet(I remember them..lol)I took them for the pain,then for the pleasure,had withdraws,moodiness and attitude,,,(pattern forming)

A few weeks ago I had surgery for my left hand(carpel tunnel release)I was prescribed Darvocet,I took them for the pain,then for the pleasure,am now having withdraws,moodiness and attitude..(Pattern complete)

Do I know I am an addict,,Sure,I've known that since '85.

Does an addict change their stripes even though they stop taking drugs,,,NEVER!Once an addict,always an addict.

You have seen me,do I look like some street junky?,no,I am just another person in the world with an addictive personality.

I can't say you don't have an addictive personality,only you can,,knowing the symptoms like I have described as to addiction,you can make you mind up as to the addictive nature of you!(BTW,I am not unique in this personality,,most addicts are just like this,,clean or not)

If you really think you might be taking the pills,or anything that you might think seems wrong,,ask,,seek advice from people you trust,,I hope I am one of them,I would surely try to advise you in the addictive medication,abuse,,etc area,,always have,always will.

Take care my friend,,I'll be thinking about you today.

Ken

Hi, Ken!

Guess what I was given as my pain medication for home?

The generic equivalent for Darvocet! Might be okay, might not. Don't know. Still kind of groggy right now...

The surgeon who prescribed it for me knows me quite well, though.

I will certainly be seeking out your adivice!

Thanks!

Quote:

Originally Posted by thisisit

I'm glad you are home and the valium worked! I didn't want to scare you, but it totally does the same thing to me :). Some people can tolerate a lot more though, so its good the doctor gave you enough!

Enough was enough! I don't like to take medications that are unfamiliar to me. Never really sure of what might happen. That's why I started this thread.

Thanks!

Quote:

Originally Posted by Clough

Hi, Ken!

Guess what I was given as my pain medication for home?

The generic equivalent for Darvocet! Might be okay, might not. Don't know. Still kind of groggy right now...

The surgeon who prescribed it for me knows me quite well, though.

I will certainly be seeking out your adivice!

Thanks!

Big smile:)

It is probably the most prescribed for post surgery, it certainly is here anyway.

Mine were Propoxyphene-N 100 W/ APAP 650 Tabs, I think that's a pretty normal dosage..

Take it BEFORE it gets too painful, maybe there isn't much pain and you won't need full pills, or taking them at longer periods than every 4-6 hours, that is decided by your needs/pain levels, but don't let the pain get too great, responsible medication taking(which I fall short of, :( ) says to stay ahead of the pain,but not to go for the pleasure of them(again where I fall short.. :( )

Anyway, please, call,PM,whatever, I am here for you,friend:)

Quote:

Originally Posted by J_9

I don't think we need to worry about the addiction part of valium with Clough. You see, the valium will be, most likely, only given once right before surgery. It won't be given after. It's just enough to take the edge off. He will not be given a prescription for afterward. It is usually used for surgery to put the patient into what is known as a twilight sleep, or conscious sedation. They are conscious, but feel no pain and don't care what is going on.

Most times, with surgery, Valium is given IV, not PO.

So, let's not put the cart before the horse. He's worried enough, we don't need him to worry about addiction on top of this. In that case, he may refuse the Valium, which could spell disaster for the surgery team.

You're right on the "money" there, J_9!

Excellent advice given based upon the esperience of a professional!

Thanks!

Darvocet is a very common pain medication. It is probably one of the weakest, safest, pain relievers that they can prescribe. I hope that you won't need them however. I hope that everything works out for you so you can be tickling the ivories again soon, and be back to your "88 fingers Louie" self .

Love and prayers from down here.

Quote:

Originally Posted by shazamataz

Glad you are well Clough, I hope you can get those cotton balls off soon!

Thanks, shazy! They're blocking the vision of my right eye and driving me crazy! I need to be able to play! Doing that, is going to be difficult for a week.

They're held together with sutures and would appear to function as a clamp for the skin graft.

I have an appointment in a week with the surgeon. Hopefully, all the sutures and cotton balls will be removed then.

Quote:

Originally Posted by KBC

Take it BEFORE it gets too painful,,maybe there isn't much pain

Absolutely perfect advice. Although some people don't like to take medication, it's easier to keep the pain at bay than it is to get rid of it once it's too bad. Take the meds as prescribed for the first day, then try to spread them out longer and longer until you no longer need them.

Quote:

Originally Posted by J_9

Glad all went well and that you are home safely. Heal quickly so you can see again, okay?

I'll try! It's making me wonder though, because there's still blood that rolls down my right cheek occasionally. I'll write about that on the other thread, though.

I think that I look like a cyborg, cyclops or maybe even a pirate!

Arghhhh maties!! :D

What other thread Clough? I missed it I think. Can you give me the link?

Quote:

Originally Posted by J_9

What other thread Clough? I missed it I think. Can you give me the link?

https://www.askmehelpdesk.com/medica...ut-441148.html

You were there, J_9, although briefly. You probably got caught up with other things...

We all know how it is, that when we answer on a lot of different threads, that it's hard to keep track of where we are and where we've been sometimes! :)

Thanks!