The Benzodiazepines

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:

• Ativan / Lorazepam Drug Profile
  Ativan / Lorazepam Side Effects
• Dalmane / Flurazepam Side Effects
• Halcion / Triazolam Side Effects
• Klonopin / Clonazepam Drug Profile
  Klonopin / Clonazepam Side Effects
• Librium / Chlordiazepoxide Side Effects
• Restoril / Temazepam Side Effects
• Serax / Oxazepam Drug Profile
  Serax / Oxazepam Side Effects
• Valium / Diazepam Side Effects
• Xanax / Alprazolam Side Effects

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.