Guide To The Most Common Benzodiazepines

Benzodiazepines are medications that affect the central nervous system. First discovered in the 1950s, these drugs produce a calming effect by attaching to the brain's GABA-A receptors. To reduce the risk of dependency, doctors typically prescribe them for two to four weeks. It is common for patients to experience sedation, dizziness, weakness, and unsteadiness during treatment. Nausea, confusion, forgetfulness, and vision problems may occur as well. While using these medications, patients should check with their doctor about if they can drive a car or operate machinery.

Benzodiazepines are among the best treatments for seizures. They are also used as a major part of sleep disturbance, panic disorder, and anxiety treatment. In some instances, these medications help surgical patients relax. What they are used for does, however, depend on the exact medication in question. The most common of them handle the common uses.

Clonazepam (Klonopin)

Clonazepam (Klonopin) is primarily used to prevent and treat seizures. It can be used to treat absence seizures and Lennox-Gastaut syndrome in children and adults. It is often prescribed for panic disorder and agoraphobia in adults. Patients with liver disease or narrow-angle glaucoma should not take it. Individuals with allergies to diazepam or lorazepam should not use it either.

The most common side effects include dizziness, drowsiness, fatigue, and depression. Problems with memory and balance also occur. While taking this medicine, individuals should call their doctor immediately if they experience seizures, breathing difficulties, involuntary eye movements, or a pounding heartbeat. Patients using clonazepam should ask their doctor before taking any prescription cough medicine, sleeping pills, or muscle relaxers.

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Lorazepam (Ativan)

Lorazepam (Ativan) is typically prescribed to treat anxiety or seizures. Individuals should not use it if they are pregnant. Narrow-angle glaucoma patients are not suitable for it either. Before prescribing lorazepam, doctors will ask the patient about any history of kidney disease, liver disease, alcohol dependency, depression, and mood disorders. Lorazepam may not be safe for individuals with these conditions. The medication should not be used by patients who are breastfeeding. Patients must also avoid alcohol with it.

Common side effects include dizziness, drowsiness, weakness, and a feeling of being unsteady. Patients who take this medicine will need to check with their doctor before using antihistamines or medications for mental health conditions. They should also inform their doctor if they use aminophylline, theophylline, or probenecid.

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Temazepam (Restoril)

Temazepam (Restoril) is intended for insomnia treatment. It may help patients fall asleep faster, and it might make it easier for patients to stay asleep for longer periods. This medicine is typically prescribed for one to two weeks, and it is taken by mouth. Doctors advise most patients to take temazepam just before bedtime. They should also take each dose with some food. In rare cases, this medication can cause the patient to lose their short-term memory temporarily. Thus, doctors suggest that individuals avoid taking it on nights when they do not have at least seven to eight hours available to sleep.

Dizziness is the most common side effect of temazepam. As such, patients should get up slowly after lying down. Some individuals who take this medication experience drowsiness during the day. If this occurs, doctors may adjust the patient's dose to minimize this side effect. This medication might not be safe for patients with a history of sleepwalking, myasthenia gravis, breathing difficulties, kidney disease, or liver disease. It is not suitable or safe for women who are pregnant, and it passes into breastmilk. Individuals who are breastfeeding should talk to their physician about whether it is safe for their needs. This medication interacts with sodium oxybate, and patients should not use it with alcohol or cannabis.

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Alprazolam (Xanax)

Alprazolam (Xanax) treats panic and anxiety disorders, including anxiety caused by depression. Before prescribing this medication, doctors will need to know if the patient has ever experienced seizures, suicidal thoughts, addiction, or breathing problems. Patients should also let the prescribing doctor know about any history of liver or kidney disease. It is especially important to mention a history of alcoholic liver disease. No one under eighteen years old should use alprazolam. It should never be taken while pregnant or breastfeeding. It can cause congenital disabilities and dependency in infants. Individuals who have had an allergic reaction to other benzodiazepines should not take this medication. Additionally, it is not safe to use alongside itraconazole or ketoconazole.

This medication is typically prescribed for up to ten weeks to treat panic disorder. Doctors may prescribe it for up to sixteen weeks for anxiety disorders. Some of the most reported side effects include weight changes, blurred vision, fatigue, memory issues, drowsiness, and coordination difficulties. Diarrhea, insomnia, muscle twitching, and low blood pressure have also occurred.

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Diazepam (Valium)

Diazepam (Valium) is prescribed for anxiety disorders, muscle spasms, and alcohol withdrawal symptoms. When combined with other medicines, it can be helpful in seizure control too. Diazepam must not be given to children under six months old. Also, it is not safe for patients with myasthenia gravis, sleep apnea, severe liver disease, or addiction. Patients should inform their doctor if they have a history of epilepsy, mental health conditions, or breathing difficulties before starting treatment. During pregnancy, patients with epilepsy or other seizure disorders should check with their doctor before starting or stopping this medication.

Drowsiness, dizziness, and unsteadiness are the most commonly reported side effects. It is essential to get up slowly after sitting or lying down to reduce the risk of falls. Patients should not consume alcohol while taking diazepam either. The medication interacts with grapefruit. Thus, individuals should ask their doctor about how much grapefruit may be safe for them to consume.