Benzodiazepine Drug Information

Benzodiazepines are a class of drugs used most often to treat anxiety. They can also be useful in managing other conditions but are best known for their anti-anxiety properties. Benzodiazepines can also be used to treat insomnia, seizures, alcohol withdrawal, panic attacks, nausea, vomiting and depression, and for muscle relaxation, general anesthesia and sedation prior to surgery. Sometimes referred to as “benzos,” the drugs are considered to be central nervous system depressants and can be habit-forming. Benzodiazepines are known for their varying hypnotic, anti-anxiety, anticonvulsant and sedative properties. Those who use benzodiazepines recreationally often do so in conjunction with other drugs, sometimes as a means of “coming down” from a high.

Common Uses for Benzodiazepines:

Common drugs within the benzodiazepine family include Klonopin, Xanax, Valium and Ativan. Valium is the brand name for diazepam and has a fast onset of action. Ativan (lorazepam), Xanax (alprazolam) and Klonopin (clonazepam) have intermediate onsets of action. Most benzodiazepines can be used interchangeably but some are most commonly used to treat specific conditions. Xanax, Valium and Ativan are primarily used for anxiety disorders. Klonopin and Valium are used for seizure disorders. Ativan and Valium are also used in anesthesia and Valium can also be used as a muscle relaxant.

Side Effects of Benzodiazepine Use:

The most commonly reported side effects of benzodiazepine use are sedation, dizziness, unsteadiness and weakness. Other side effects include drowsiness, blurred vision, confusion, euphoria, amnesia, jaundice, loss of orientation, headache, feelings of depression and sleep disturbances. All benzodiazepines have the potential to be habit-forming and cause physical dependence. Patients can develop a tolerance, which may cause them to take more and more to achieve the desired effect. Patients who stop taking benzodiazepines abruptly after steady, prescribed use can experience withdrawal symptoms. Chronic, prolonged use could produce more serious withdrawal symptoms. Patients using benzodiazepines should be weaned gradually to minimize the often painful withdrawal syndrome.

Interactions and Warnings:

All benzodiazepines cause a degree of sedation, which is heightened when used in combination with other substances that slow brain function. These include alcohol, opiates, tranquilizers and barbiturates. Patients should talk to their doctors about all substances they are taking before beginning benzodiazepine therapy. Taking more of a drug than what is prescribed, or taking it more frequently can be dangerous. Elderly patients may be more sensitive to the sedative effects of benzodiazepines and should therefore use caution when taking them. Instances of falls and injuries among elderly patients are somewhat common because of the tendency for benzodiazepines to cause unsteadiness. The drugs have the capability of passing through breast milk and when used by pregnant women, could cause problems for the fetus. These include low birth weight, delayed development and motor impairments.

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Medical Director: Board-Certified by American Board of Anesthesiology 1994, former chief of cardiac anesthesia, University of Nevada School of Medicine.

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