Valium

I suffer from anxiety and depression (pre cancer) - the anxiety being the worst.  Over the years I've been on different types of meds for anxiety.  Through surgery and chemo the dosages were bumped up with my psych's permission and I am reducing them now whilst awaiting radiation.  Having lots of anxiety and very weepy.  The key is to cut back very slowly to stop these side effects.  I must be more sensitive.
I was on valium, 5mg, for a long time with a 'breakdown' when I was 26.  Back then it immediately stopped my anxiety.  Now 10mg hardly makes a dent.  It took me a year to get off the 5mg a day.  One of the worst side effects of valium when taken consistently for long periods of time is that when you stop taking it abruptly you begin to experience the same anxiety or symptoms that you originally took it for. And then you want to take a valium! So I agree with everyone's comments about trying natural things first, but if you do need the valium, take it when you really need it and don't get into a habit.  As I have found, with my anti anxiety meds and even the antidepressants, I have needed to move to higher doses every couple of years.  Which is not good healthwise. When I developed cancer and was extremely anxious the 5mg of valium did nothing, so we tried 10mg. That took the edge off but was not really effective so I was put on another med to take only when needed. I think a horse tranquiliser would work! Anxiety is a really nasty fellow.  I hope you can use all the info the peeps have suggested to get through this crappy time xxx

@Romla funny I was inquiring  about a different ingredient in a natural anti anxiety product. I was so surprised when it was gentle camomile  that was the worry! Go figure!! 

Gee thanks for the caution @JanineG re camomile - I knew it was a problem if on blood thinners as I always check the mskcc.org site as recommended by BCNA and it didn’t mention a contraindication with tamoxifen.

@DearB if you are worried you can try halving  the Valium if you have tablets. It will give you a minute dose but sometimes that's all you need. The ladies have given you great advice. Don't be too hard on yourself. Sleep is essential. Be careful of natural remedies too. Most are safe but you may be surprised that camomile uses the same pathways as tamoxifen so not recommended as it can interfere with absorption. I always email or phone the naturopathic help lines that all reputable vitamin companies have to ask about safety first. 
Sweet dreams Janine xo

I didnt like the connotations of taking valium, but in the beginning when I was very stressed and frightened I did take it a few times so I could sleep. 
 I still sleep badly due to terrible hot flushes that I cant take anything hormonal for.
I have been taking Sleep Right occassionally after seeing it mentioned on here before. Sleepright was explained to me as an antihistamine, like Phenergan, but specially formulated to emphasise the drowsiness symptom. the pharmacist says it is safer / less habit forming than valium and  I find it works better for me. I take it if Im really strung out after several sleepless nights in a row and find I sleep 8 hours. (Dont worry, still wake for the toilet etc) It is non prescription but regulated. The pharmacists said some people still feel groggy when they wake up and if so, not to take it.

I agree with@Summerhill38 about screens as I’ve read and seen with my kids it keeps the brain too active to sleep.I have used Phenergan on Qld trips for sand fly bites - was very effective to stop the itch but really knocked me out so may well be an idea to try as is an over the counter pharmaceutical.I had no side effects next day but felt like I was drunk the night I took it.That’s a clever suggestion and will remember that one.

Thanks everyone.  I slept 8 hours straight last night (bubbles induced) but also lots of water

I've been told to stay away from screens of any sort for at least an hour before bed and not to use any if awake during the night.  If awake for an hour get up and read a book, sip a drink of warm milk (just like a baby) then when feeling relaxed go back to bed - but don't wait until you are over-tired apparently.
Hope this helps.

I've been on Temazapan to help me sleep since diagnosis (I'm a crap sleeper at the best of times) 10mg gives me about 2 hours.  GP just gave me Serapax to help which did for 2 nights, but I've managed less than 2 hours on it tonight.  So I'm surfing the net and drinking warm milk.  I don't know much about valium except that it can be quite addictive, I think. But I'm guessing that what I'm taking can be, too.  Hoping once I know for sure what I'm dealing with, I can sleep better without it.  If you're going through a rough patch, I would take it if you need it.  If you're unsure, speak to your doctor about what is too often, and what other options there might be.  But sometimes, meditation, relaxtion, warm milk just don't cut it.

They used to give me that with herceptin and Taxol! Made me feel utterly zonked, hated it!