How many folks on here with Parkinson’s use benzodiazepines such as Valium to combat anxiety and tremor. Many medical professionals seem to be against their use citing habituation and addiction and push SSRIs- antidepressants such as mirtazapine instead. I am puzzled by the addiction argument as surely we are all “addicted” to anti-Parkinson’s drugs -that is -we can’t stop taking them- is that not the same thing. Leaving argument aside it would be very helpful to know of Parkinson’s sufferers who are prescribed benzodiazepines even in low dosage, and find them helpful. Thanks in anticipation
Hi GROWBER
I have stated from day 1 that anxiety and depression are the worst symptoms of PD. I am now in my 13th year since being dx.
My old GP was happy to prescribe Diazepam for occasions when my anxiety triggered. I roughly only had to take 4/5 a year. It’s safe to say I was not addicted… My current GO refused my request and said they didn’t use them due got addiction risk. I found this approach typical of a specialist who does not understand the symptoms of this disease and feels no empathy for the horrific panic and anxiety attacks we experience. I am on mirtazapine but still need the low dose when I have to tackle something out of the ordinary or I am very low.
I have used 10 tabs. Of diazepam in the last 12 months but isolation have to fight for another prescription. I don’t care if I get addicted at this stage in my PD journey I will take anything that gives release from the awful symptoms I have been experiencing since my 10th year of diagnosis.
Hi Juju, you have my sympathy, I agree with you, my non-motor functions of Parkinson’s, come nowhere near the horror that I experience due to my non-motor symptoms. I won’t go into the confusion of different medications over the years. Just to say that now aged sixty-seven, having had Parkinson’s from a young age, depression, anxiety, and apathy, are always with me. Maggie
I agree with you. Mental side is worst symptom for me. I take Lorazepam, find I am needing to take more often though due to anxiety, etc. Anxiety making me crazy. Crying too much, worrying all time, had Parkies approx 12-13 years. Don’t care either if I get addicted to them, rather that then living like this!
for tremor I use
Amantadine 100mg 1x day (prescribed, you may want time release type)
Avena Sativa 800mg 1x day (herbal supplement)
B12 4000mcg 1x day
have also use Propranolol 20mg 2x day (prescribed beta blocker, works very, very well but ultimately discontinued - caused my ankles to swell, may not happen with you)
As for anxiety, a whole other matter, I use
St Johns Wort (herbal supplement)
Valerian Root (herbal, mild sedative, really helps you sleep, notably used in WWII as sedative)
Myself, I stopped drinking 10 years ago now, so I have to steer clear of benzo’s, etc.
Hope that helps.
THANKS for all the folks who replied so far. Good to know there are afew kindred spirits out there—Anyone else got experience of the use of this drug use in PD -diazepam its a life saver in my book if taken in moderation
I have had Pd for 12 years and lately have become very depressed and cry in private a lot. The dykenisia is terrible and last night my right
leg was violent in its jerking resultiing in no sleep. I cannot have an evening out because of the uncontrollable jerking and don’t mention the hairdressers or driving. I have contact with a PD nurse but everything she suggests is trial and error resulting in failure to improve my life. Where can I buy diazapam on line I think it is worth a try if only to control the dyskinesia. Sorry to be a misery but I am coming to the end of a long piece of rope and do not know where to get help.
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Hi @farmers_wife, 
Welcome back to the forum.
I’m so sorry to hear that you’ve been feeling very depressed, you’ve definitely come to the right place for help. 
From what I understand; diazapam is only available via prescription in the UK, you can find more information on this on the NHS website: Diazepam: medicine to treat anxiety, muscle spasms and fits - NHS
I would strongly advise you to speak to your GP about this to ensure that this is a safe option for you. Additionally, you can give our helpline service a call and speak to one of our trusted advisers about this in more detail - they can offer you more support on this.
Do give us a call on 0808 800 0303.
Best wishes,
Reah