Having medical test done, doctor wants to give me 15mg of Diazepam, scared

[[Ma...]]

I'm freaking out, I'm getting a colonoscopy like test done for precaution and the doctor wants to give me a one off 15mg of Diazepam an hour before the procedure. The doctor told me I must have it before the test or they can't do it.

 

I'm only 3 months off valium now, will this dose put me back into acute hell? I'm really worried about it, should I refuse to have the test?? Has anyone else had a dose for a medical procedure? What happened?

[[Gr...]]

A one time dose should be ok.

From the Ashton manual:

What happens if someone who is in the course of benzodiazepine withdrawal or has successfully withdrawn needs a surgical operation? Benzodiazepines are of value as premedication before major operations and for sedation and amnesia during minor surgical procedures. Yet many ex-users are terrified that if they are given a benzodiazepine for these purposes they will become dependent all over again. They can be reassured: a single dose of a benzodiazepine given for an operation does not bring back the addiction, although the stress of an operation may re-awaken the anxiety symptoms experienced during benzodiazepine withdrawal. Symptoms reported under these circumstances have usually been the result of fear. Many personally observed patients have had repeated doses of midazolam (Versed, Hypnovel), a short-acting benzodiazepine, for dental procedures (dental phobia is common in withdrawal), and other benzodiazepines including diazepam for major and minor surgery and have recovered without complications.

[[lo...]]

I would NOT do it. 3 months off. this is playing with fire.

[[Da...]]

I don't believe one dose is going to kill you. It is important to have a colonoscopy regularly to look for pallops and possible prostate cancer. I knew someone who died of prostate cancer and it is a terrible scary condition. Early detection can save your life. Heather Ashton indicates one dose is not a problem and will not restart addiction or start the cycle over again. If you feel you need the colonoscopy I don't believe one dose is really a problem.

[[Do...]]

I have heard people say that they request propofol (a sedating agent) instead of a benzo.  Ashton says a one time dose shouldn't hurt, but if It were me, I wouldn't risk it this soon after jumping

[[Ma...]]

Thanks for the advice everyone. I did ask for alternative sedation but the doctor said only Diazepam is available. For my health, I'll get the test done. I have a while to change my mind.

[[Be...]]

I got a colonoscopy without the added Valium.

[[Ch...]]

I got a colonoscopy without the added Valium.

 

Yes, I did too.  It was offered, but I refused.

 

That being said, a one-off dose should be okay.  It takes time to down-regulate GABAa receptors.  Propofol affects GABAa receptors, too, and many of us have had surgeries with propofol without a problem, including me.

[[Da...]]

Well this is entirely YOUR choice, that's how I see it. Personally if this were me, I'd refuse and tell the doctor that yes, I feel I do need the test yes, but due to my circumstances, I was refusing the Benzo. I've made sure I'm never, ever given Benzos for any kind of medical procedure or in an emergency etc, and that they must use alternatives, which they certainly can and do. Valium isn't the only option, many people here have had colonoscopy procedures done with Propofol and reported no adverse effects.

 

 

[[...]]

i had a colonoscopy once and they knock you out anyways with a light sedation (twighlight sleep).. so i don't know why you would need something before.. if you have something make it minimal.. personally i wouldn't take anything..

 

I'm freaking out, I'm getting a colonoscopy like test done for precaution and the doctor wants to give me a one off 15mg of Diazepam an hour before the procedure. The doctor told me I must have it before the test or they can't do it.

 

I'm only 3 months off valium now, will this dose put me back into acute hell? I'm really worried about it, should I refuse to have the test?? Has anyone else had a dose for a medical procedure? What happened?

[[mo...]]

I had a colonoscopy and did not have diazepam . I had twilight sleep. don't let  him give you that. these doctors always shelling out these drugs for anything.  if I were you I go to another doctor. ridiculous!

[[so...]]

Utter bullshit. They do not have to use a benzo. Propofol is a suitable alternative.

 

Their issue is that with benzos an anesthesiologist does not have to be in attendance. With propofol - a full anesthetic drug - you do need an anesthesiologist monitoring the patient. It makes more work for them, basically. They have to get you an anesthesiologist.

 

Speaking for myself, I will never let anyone near me again with a benzo. I think it's risky.

[[...]]

I had a dental procedure and I also refused diazepam , I took the pain and survived it . I say no to drugs , I don't care as long as it belongs to the benzo family or just a pill . No no no , just me

[Guest [ch...]]

I had Propofol for a recent colonoscopy and that was fine. It is true that it is more expensive because an anaesthesiologist needs to be present, but my insurance was willing to pay for it.

 

I would definitely refuse Versed which is a very potent benzo that mucks with memory. That was the other choice they offered.

 

I haven't heard of colonoscopy being done with Valium alone. I think a one-time dose would be OK, but my concern would be it would be insufficient sedation and I'd feel the pain/discomfort of the procedure. If what they mean is Valium plus general anasthesia then I think the Valium is unnecessary.

[[ca...]]

Find a doctor that will use a more traditional method of sedation for your procedure! I have a colonoscopy coming up in February. This will be my third! All times were done with a mild sedative that actually puts you out during the procedure. It's my belief that even a small dose of any Benzo will make your recovery far worse.