Valium to help with exam

[mountainboo]

I am a mature student and in my last A-Level exam I completely panicked and forgot everything, it resulted in a disastrous exam. I was just wondering if a Valium would calm my nerves enough not to panic as I was considering asking the doctor to prescribe me a couple? TIA

[Buenchico]

They got me through my uni finals, Mountainboo!

As long as you just use them for a short while (to avoid possible addiction) they might be just what you need.

However you might want to consider a herbal alternative. I can recommend these:
http://www.hollandand...=435&prodid=505&sid=0

Chris

[mountainboo]

Thanks very much Chris x

[woofgang]

If you are going to do it, can I suggest you ask the doc for a test dose to try before the day so that you know how you will feel?

[mountainboo]

will do, thanks

[chattykathy]

How about Bach's Remedy?

[Prudie]

I've never tried Valium, don't they make you a bit dopey? I'd ask the doc for a few beta blockers. My GP gave them to me when I was het up about giving a presentation and he said he often gave them for driving tests etc. They inhibit adrenaline.

[joeluke]

It's a bit much when people need drugs to get them through an exam

[Hopkirk]

Kalms are good.

[ChocolatChip]

I would try a herbal or off the counter remedy first to see how you feel, and use those kinds of drugs as a last resort.
I am not sure nowadays they would perscribe them just for a couple of days for an exam, as they are for people with long term mental health problems.
Secondly, I have been on anti-depressants, anti-anxiety and anti-psychotic medications.
Most medications take a few weeks to have any effect. Not only this do they have awful side effects.
I was once on a similar medication like valium, and I couldn't think straight to do the simplest of tasks, let alone actually go and do an exam.
Have you tried relaxation techniques like mediation?

[boxtops]

I certainly would give them a test run (if the doc will let you) - if they knock you out as much as they did me at first, you won't even be able to see the exam paper, let alone worry about it. Do try alternatives too, do you have plenty of time before the exam to test a few options too, like Rescue Remedy as suggested?

[joko]

try kalms or rescue remedy...

[wolf63]

I have been on Valium but many years ago.

My own GP refuses to prescribe Valium - I am not sure what he prescribed instead. The herbal stuff is a better starting point.

[Rodge2]

I'd most certainly do a trial run of them. Someone I knew at uni took them to help with exam nerves and they spaced her out so much she failed it. Maybe you could also do a past paper whilst you're testing them, to make sure it doesn't affect your ability to reason and to get on with it. Breathing exercises can help to calm you too. Yoga teachers are great at teaching you the rudiments of the different forms of breath control. It would take a while to learn though, so maybe this would be something you could try for future exams? Best of luck. You can do it!