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The Benzodiazepines

Medication Family

By Kimberly Read & Marcia Purse, About.com

Updated: February 17, 2009

About.com Health's Disease and Condition content is reviewed by the Medical Review Board

Benzodiazepine medications all act to depress the central nervous system. Various medications in the family are used to treat a variety of conditions including:
  • Anxiety - but not the type of anxiety brought about by everyday stresses and strains
  • Insomnia - short-term treatment only
  • Relieve or reduce muscle spasms
  • Alcohol withdrawal symptoms
  • Panic disorders
  • Epilepsy and other convulsive disorders
Benzodiazepines may be habit-forming, causing physical and/or mental dependence if taken over a long period of time or in high doses. Withdrawal effects, especially if discontinued abruptly, can be severe. They may include:
  • Irritability; nervousness; trouble in sleeping (most common, even in slow withdrawal)
  • Abdominal or stomach cramps
  • Confusion
  • Fast or pounding heartbeat
  • Increased sense of hearing
  • Increased sensitivity to touch and pain
  • Increased sensitivity to light (eyes)
  • Increased sweating
  • Loss of sense of reality
  • Depression
  • Muscle cramps
  • Nausea / vomiting
  • Tingling, burning, or prickly sensations
  • Trembling / shaking
  • Confusion
  • Convulsions / seizures
  • Paranoia
  • Hallucinations
Withdrawal symptoms can be minimized by tapering the medication off slowly.

Information on this site about various Benzodiazepines:

Disclaimer: This profile is not intended to be all-inclusive or to replace information provided by your doctor or with the prescription from the manufacturer.

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