side effects of Diazapam

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Hi, my husband has been diagnosed with depression and anxiety. He has been put on 20mg Escitalopram, and was started on 5mg of Diazapam 4 times a day. This has now been reduced to 2.5mg, 4 times a day, because he is so tired and his legs and arms feel so weak and tired. He is still sleeping on and off all day, and is quite unsteady on his feet. Whenhe walks he has to take very small steps, instead of striding out as he used to. He is 75 years old. Theyre pretty sure its the medication causing this, but I would be pleased to have any re-assurance from anyone. Thanks
 
Diazepam is not a good choice for older people - it can build up toxic levals because they metabolise it more slowly than younger people.

Oxazepam or Lorazepam are better choices for the elderly.

Diazepam, Oxazepam and othger benzos only help anxiety - has he been given an antidepressant as well ?
 
Hi Jonnstar. Yes he is on 20mg of Escitolapram (Cipralex) a day. His anxiety is a lot better, but he has fallen over twice. He says he cant remeraber what happened. He is under the mental health team,and they are very good, but im not seeing them again until Monday. he seemed to be getting on so good and hes really fed up now.
 
Stay away from benzos, they have issues with older people and generally people of all ages as far as memory issues go. Everyone is different, some people can take them daily, others can't.
 
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