ANXIETY DRUG

About the Benzodiazepines

Overview and Indications for Use

The benzodiazepine classifications of drugs are those that affect the central nervous system, producing a calming or depressant effect. They are typically used for the treatment of anxiety and to induce a calmer state on the patient.

Long used to help to prepare patients for surgical procedures, the benzodiazepine drugs are also used as assistance in helping to calm the “nerves” of those who are stressed but do not suffer from depressive illnesses.

Benzodiazepine depressant drugs are therapeutic in normal dosages by helping to produce sleep in those who are unable to fall readily asleep, as well as to help to relieve certain types of anxiety. They are also used to control spasms of the muscles and in many cases to control the more severe seizures that come with epilepsy or in cases of status epilepticus.

In some cases where the drugs are monitored closely, they can be used to treat depression and the anxiety that is associated with it, often when induced by schizophrenia

General Actions and Timing

The action of the benzodiazepines is fairly rapid onset. These drugs will act as a hypnotic when used in a higher dose, and as an anxiolytic (anti-anxiety med) when offered in a more moderate dose. In small doses they are sedative in nature.

Typically the drugs are prescribed at the lowest effective level and will continue to be increased in dosage until the desired effect is achieved at which time that dosage is the therapeutic one and is left in place for the desired time span.

Drug Timing Varieties and Brands

Short Onset Varieties of Benzodiazepine.

Those members of the benzodiazepine which are used for sleep induction and will affect the body in a relatively short time span include:

Estazolam (ProSom)

Flurazepam (Dalmane)

Temazepam (Restoril)

Quazepam (Doral)

Triazolam (Halcion)

Longer onset and longer duration of action varieties of Benzodiazepines are:

Alprazolam (Xanax)

Diazepam (Valiumm

Chlordiazepoxide (Librium)

Halazepam (Paxipam)

Prazepam (Centrax)

Lorazepam (Ativan)

In addition there are other members of the benzodiazepine family that are used for other types of therapy. One of these that is used as adjunctive therapy to surgical anesthesia drugs is Versed, which is classed as an amnesiac, as well as Klonipin, used to treat seizures.

Use and Abuse

It is not recommended that the patient who has undergone benzodiazepine therapy stop the medication without the advice and consent of an attending physician. These drugs can be habit forming and withdrawal symptoms can affect the patient.

Of the many drugs on the market today that will affect the anxiety and central nervous system, most will be or have been abused at some point in time. Unfortunately, the Benzodiazepine classification of drugs falls within this category.

Due to the frequency with which the benzodiazepines are prescribed, they are also abused on a fairly frequent basis although they are classed as Schedule or Class drugs in the United States, making them controlled substances.

Side effects

Unfortunately the benzodiazepines Drug class does have the potential for significant side effects.   And can create mild to severe symptoms with some patients reporting symptoms worse than the anxiety they’re trying to avert.

The use include but are not limited to drowsiness, dizziness, aggressive impulses, mental cognitive impairment, loss of sex drive, unstoppable
dependency and addiction.

Contraindications

Because of its muscle relaxation tendency, benzodiazepines are not recommended for people that have respiratory problems such as COPD.

Other Resources

see alternatives to drugs, here.

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