Diazepam Tablet – How Safe Is Long-Term Use for Anxiety?

Question

For the past few months, I’ve been dealing with severe anxiety and occasional panic attacks. My doctor recently prescribed me diazepam tablet for relief, and while it helps calm me down, I’m worried about the long-term effects of using it.

I know that the diazepam tablet belongs to a group of drugs called benzodiazepines, which work by relaxing the nervous system. The first time I took it, I felt a little drowsy but much more relaxed, and my mind wasn’t racing as much. But I’ve read online that people can develop dependency or tolerance if they take diazepam tablet for too long. How quickly does this happen?

Another concern I have is side effects. So far, I’ve felt a bit lightheaded and sleepy, but are there any serious risks like memory loss, liver damage, or mood swings? If I stop taking diazepam tablet suddenly, could I experience withdrawal symptoms?

Since I don’t want to rely on medication forever, I’d love to know about natural alternatives to diazepam tablet. Are there any Ayurvedic herbs, breathing techniques, or diet changes that can help with stress and anxiety without the risk of dependence? I’ve heard that Brahmi, Ashwagandha, and meditation can help—has anyone tried these instead of taking medication?

For those who have used diazepam tablet for anxiety, how was your experience? Did you eventually stop taking it, or did you have to switch to another treatment? Any advice on managing anxiety naturally while taking a diazepam tablet would be really helpful.

Dr Sujal Patil · Accepted Answer

I hear you, and I completely understand your concerns about anxiety and the long-term effects of diazepam. It’s true that benzodiazepines like diazepam help by calming the nervous system, but they are meant for short-term relief rather than long-term use. Tolerance and dependence can develop within a few weeks if taken regularly, meaning you may need higher doses to get the same effect. To avoid this, it’s best to take diazepam only when truly necessary and under your doctor’s guidance. If you plan to stop, doing so gradually is important to prevent withdrawal symptoms like restlessness, rebound anxiety, or insomnia.

Regarding side effects, feeling drowsy, lightheaded, or slightly forgetful is common, but serious risks are rare if taken correctly. Long-term use, however, may affect memory, mood stability, and liver health in some cases. The key is finding a holistic approach to anxiety management so you don’t have to depend on medication forever. Ayurveda offers powerful natural alternatives that work on balancing the mind and nervous system rather than just suppressing symptoms. Ashwagandha (Withania somnifera) is excellent for reducing cortisol (stress hormone) and promoting relaxation, while Brahmi (Bacopa monnieri) helps improve focus and mental clarity. Regular use of Shankhpushpi or Jatamansi can also calm the nervous system naturally.

In addition to herbs, deep breathing (Pranayama), meditation, and a Vata-pacifying diet can help reduce anxiety at its root. Avoid caffeine, refined sugar, and processed foods, as they can increase nervous energy. Instead, try warm, grounding foods like ghee, nuts, and herbal teas (like chamomile or tulsi tea). Gentle yoga and Abhyanga (self-massage with warm sesame oil) also help regulate the nervous system. Many people have successfully managed anxiety by slowly transitioning from medication to a more natural lifestyle. Have you tried any of these methods before? I’d love to hear what has worked for you so far!

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