Originally Posted by
MyNameIsTerry
The drug interaction is Moderate. See below from Drugs.com's interactions checker:
Moderate
diazepam escitalopram
Applies to: diazepam, escitalopram
Using diazepam together with escitalopram may increase side effects such as dizziness, drowsiness, confusion, and difficulty concentrating. Some people, especially the elderly, may also experience impairment in thinking, judgment, and motor coordination. You should avoid or limit the use of alcohol while being treated with these medications. Also avoid activities requiring mental alertness such as driving or operating hazardous machinery until you know how the medications affect you. Talk to your doctor if you have any questions or concerns. It is important to tell your doctor about all other medications you use, including vitamins and herbs. Do not stop using any medications without first talking to your doctor.
You will find that same warnings on many meds, certainly SSRI's. However, using Diazepam to reduce the side effects experiencing when starting a med like this is a very common strategy.
Don't worry about it, millions of people do it. If you find any of the above being a problem, contact your doctor.
If the Escitalopram causes problems they will switch you to another med. If you haven't been on very long, you can stop meds like SSRI's without a taper without much in the way of withdrawal as that's linked to longer term use.
Don't worry about that. The common issue with these meds is starting side effects and many people talk themselves out of trying them when they read about them. Be realistic, expect there could be some side effects and possible increased anxiety but after 4-6 weeks all this should be gone and it cold taper off long before that anyway.