Author: James Anderson

List of Common Benzodiazepines + Uses & Side Effects

Benzodiazepines (also called “benzos”) are a class of agents that work in the central nervous system and are used for a variety of medical conditions. Your nervous system uses chemical and electrical signals to send and relay messages throughout your body. The chemical signals, known as neurotransmitters, can attach to cells with the right receptors. Neurotransmitters (your car key) can only fit into the right receptor (your car ignition). If it fits, the neurotransmitter can activate a process within the cell (starting your car).

  1. Benzodiazepines such as diazepam may also be used short-term as a muscle relaxant.
  2. Anyone who shows signs of an overdose or an adverse reaction after taking benzodiazepines will need emergency medical help.
  3. Most benzodiazepines are available in a generic form which can lead to cost-savings for patients.
  4. Nayzilam (midazolam) and Valtoco (diazepam) are nasal sprays now approved for the treatment of seizure clusters (also known as acute repetitive seizures).
  5. This reduces the excitability of nerve signals in your brain and slows it down.

Benzodiazepines and Online Fraud

Behavioral therapy and treatment with the antidepressants such as selective serotonin-reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs), serotonin-norepinephrine reuptake inhibitors (SNRIs), and/or behavioral therapy are first-line treatments. GAD is the most frequent anxiety disorder, affecting 6.8 million adults or about 3% of the U.S. population, but more than half remain untreated. Speak with your healthcare provider about first trying safer, evidence-based alternatives such as cognitive behavioral therapy and other medications like antidepressants. The safest way to take benzodiazepines is on an as-needed basis rather than scheduled, at the lowest effective dose possible, and ideally for only a short period.

Patients should not stop using any medications, including benzodiazepines, without first contacting their doctor. Abrupt discontinuation of benzodiazepines may lead to severe withdrawal symptoms. In those without co-existing conditions such as depression or a history of substance abuse, benzodiazepines may be used cautiously for a short period of time. One view is that many of the short-term effects continue into the long-term and may even worsen, and are not resolved after stopping benzodiazepine usage. Another view maintains that cognitive deficits in chronic benzodiazepine users occur only for a short period after the dose, or that the anxiety disorder is the cause of these deficits. Some benzodiazepines (diazepam, chlordiazepoxide) have active metabolites that remain in the system for an extended period (long-acting), and this can be problematic for patients, especially older patients.

The benzodiazepine hypnotics shorten the time it takes to fall asleep and prolong the sleeping period. The main differences exist in how long they might remain in the body, possibly leading to prolonged side effects. For example, lorazepam has a much shorter duration than diazepam, allowing quicker clearance of the drug and theoretically less side effects. On the other hand, diazepam can remain in the system for days and boost the risk for long-term side effects, especially in the elderly.

Common side effects of benzodiazepines

Benzodiazepines are a class of drugs (commonly referred to as “benzos”) prescribed to treat anxiety, panic disorder, seizures, insomnia, and alcohol withdrawal. Prescribing benzodiazepines for uses not approved by the FDA is considered “off-label” use. This includes prescribing the medication for periods longer than considered the effective time on the drug label, such as in the long-term treatment of anxiety disorders.

Benzodiazepines such as clonazepam (Klonopin), lorazepam (Ativan), diazepam (Valium) and alprazolam (Xanax) are useful for panic attacks. They are safe when used as directed and often bring quick relief from panic symptoms. Panic disorder can be a prolonged, chronic disorder, but it is very treatable with medications that lessen symptoms.

Procedural sedation (also called conscious sedation)

This receptor is a protein called gamma-aminobutyric acid type A (GABA-A) receptor. Benzodiazepine drug molecules mimic the naturally occurring neurotransmitter GABA and bind to this receptor. This allows chloride ions to enter the neuron cells, which results in CNS depression. Drowsiness, sleepiness, or dizziness are the most common side effects reported. This can make it dangerous for people taking benzodiazepines to drive or operate machinery or perform other hazardous tasks.

Why Benzodiazepines Work

In the elderly, benzodiazepines and nonbenzodiazepine agents should be avoided, as recommended by the Beers Criteria, an expert opinion-developed guideline addressing safe drug use in the elderly. Benzodiazepines open GABA-activated chloride channels and allow chloride ions to enter the neuron. This action allows the neuron to become negatively charged and resistant to excitation, which leads to the various anti-anxiety, sedative, or anti-seizure activity seen with these drugs. Benzodiazepines are a large drug class and have a long history of development, starting with the first FDA-approvals in the 1960s, chloridiazepoxide (Librium) and diazepam (Valium). There are many options available within the class, and most benzodiazepines are now available generically, making them affordable for most people.

Benzodiazepine Drug Interactions

Anyone who has concerns about their prescription for a benzodiazepine can ask their doctor about alternative options. Women who are breastfeeding should not use benzodiazepines unless directed to do so by their physician. Some benzodiazepines may be appropriate therapy in women who are breastfeeding, but only under the direction of a physician.

Benzodiazepines (Benzos)

In a 12-month period spanning 2014 and 2015, experts estimate that at least 30.5 million people in the U.S. took benzodiazepines prescribed by a healthcare provider. The strength and duration of action of benzodiazepines are important in what conditions they treat. Short-term or emergency conditions usually merit the use of stronger, short-acting benzodiazepines.