Anxiety disorders are not static conditions, Dee. They wax and wane. So it is likely that occasionally you may need more diazepam (Valium) than usual.
However, the operative word is occasionally. If you find yourself needing to take 2 to 3 times your normal dose on most days, or the dose you need is continually increasing then you should discuss this with the prescribing doctor. It may just be that at the moment you simply need more medication to cope, but it could also be a sign that you are becoming tolerant to this drug. This is relatively rare, most patients need less diazepam over time, but it does sometimes happen.
Taking 20-30mg day is not unusual. Typical doses range from 2-10mg, 2 to 4 times a day. For the treatment of epilepsy the doses were much higher though diazepam is rarely used for this now. Body weight is not a good indicator of the dose an individual may require. The rate at which you metabolize and clear the drug, GABA/benzodiazepine complex receptor density variations, and stress levels are greater influences.
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Posted by Dee
I need an answer if its normal for a person who weighs 170lbs to have to take two or three 10 mg valiums for the full effect of relief?