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A class of medications known as benzos is the benzodiazepines. They are used for their anti-anxiety and tranquilizing effects. Although they can be very effective in anxiety treatment, there are side effects and potential risks.

Although these medications were once the most popular treatment for anxiety, there are now more effective and safer options that don't carry the same risks as benzo rehab centers. Learn more about benzodiazepines and how they can be used to treat anxiety.

How Benzodiazepines Help Anxiety

Benzodiazepines alter the brain's gamma-aminobutyric (GABA) receptors. This causes a slowing down of the central nervous systems (CNS) and a state that induces relaxation. Benzodiazepines have a quick effect and can relieve symptoms in a very short time.

They can also be used to treat insomnia. This could be a contributing factor or a symptom. Anxiety can interfere with sleep. However, a lack of sleep could also cause anxiety symptoms.

Dosages to treat anxiety

You may take benzodiazepines once a day, several times a day or as needed depending on your symptoms and condition. If you still have symptoms, your doctor may recommend a lower initial dose.

Individuals will have different therapeutic doses. It will depend on the severity and individual body chemistry.

The Most Common Dosages

Lorazepam (lorazepam).: 0.5-1 mg three to four times daily.

Klonopin, clonazepam: 0.5 mg to 1 mg three times daily with a maximum of 20 mg per day.

Librium, chlordiazepoxide: 5-25 mg three to four days a week with a maximum of 100 mg daily.

Serax or Oxazepam: 10-30 mg three to four times per day with a maximum of 120 mg daily.

Valium/diazepam: 5-25 mg three to four days a day, with a maximum of 40 mg daily.

Xanax: 0.25 mg to 1 mg three days per day. 1 The maximum daily dose is 4 mg.

Your doctor may prescribe benzodiazepines in addition to psychotherapy for anxiety treatment. Research shows that therapy and medication can be combined to provide the best treatment.

Different types of Benzodiazepines to Treat Anxiety

Many benzodiazepines are used to treat anxiety and panic attacks 3.

Xanax (alprazolam).: Short-term relief for anxiety symptoms

Klonopin Clonazepam: Used to treat panic disorder.

Valium (diazepam),: This may be used in the initial phase for panic disorder treatment

Lorazepam: This medication may be used to treat anxiety symptoms associated with other psychiatric conditions.

Librium, chlordiazepoxide: May be used for anxiety disorders and alcohol withdrawal

Other conditions that may be treated with benzodiazepines include seizures, muscle spasms and withdrawal of alcohol or other drugs. They can also be used to treat sleep disorders or to inducing a relaxed state before surgery.

Take Care When Taking Benzodiazepines

Your doctor should direct you to take benzodiazepines. Your doctor should be consulted before you increase your dose. You should not discontinue benzodiazepine treatment if you have been prescribed it. You may experience withdrawal symptoms, or worsening of your condition.

The United States has benzodiazepines as Schedule IV controlled substances. 4

Use with Care

Drowsiness can be caused by benzodiazepines, which can impact your ability to drive safely. If you feel sleepy or drowsy, it is best to not drive or operate any heavy equipment. Avoid taking benzodiazepines and alcohol with other sedatives.

Drug Interactions

Some drugs, such as some SSRIs may alter the way benzodiazepine medication is metabolized in your body. This could cause an increase in benzodiazepine medication levels. This could lead to a rise in benzodiazepine medication in your blood. 3

Combining benzodiazepines and alcohol, or other sedative (depressant), medications can lead to an increase in depression.

These interactions can lead to serious side effects and increase the risk of overdose. These interactions have been linked to fatalities.

This is not a complete list. You should avoid other drug interactions and consult your doctor before you start benzodiazepine treatment.

Tell your doctor about any medications you take, even over-the-counter ones. Before you take any prescriptions or over-the counter medications with benzodiazepines, talk to your pharmacist.

Pregnancy and breastfeeding

Congenital birth defects have been linked with benzodiazepines when they are administered in the first trimester. They can also be found in breast milk. Talk to your doctor immediately if you become pregnant while taking benzodiazepines. 3

Age

Children and teens should not use benzodiazepines to manage anxiety. These medications can cause irritability, rather than calmness.

The effects of benzodiazepines may be more noticeable in older adults. This may make them more susceptible to confusion and poor muscle coordination. These symptoms can lead to falls, fractures or other accidents.

Conditions of Health

If you have any of these conditions, consult your doctor before starting benzodiazepine treatment.

An alcohol- or drug-abuse or dependence history

Glaucoma

Liver or kidney disease

History of seizures

History of depression

Suicidal thoughts

For support and guidance from a counselor, call the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline at 98 if you have suicidal thoughts. Call 911 if you or your loved one are in immediate danger.

Our National Helpline Database has more resources for mental health.

Side effects of Benzodiazepines

Drowsiness and impaired coordination are the most common side effects from benzodiazepine usage. These side effects are usually mild and not noticeable if benzodiazepines have been taken in low doses or for short periods. You may also experience the following side effects:

Confusion

Fatigue

Memory impairment

Slowed mental processing3

Once the drug's effects wear off, side effects such as benzodiazepines disappear. You may experience lingering feelings that you are experiencing daytime drowsiness after using benzodiazepines to treat insomnia.

Talk to your healthcare provider if you continue to experience side effects.

Importantly, it is important to remember that benzodiazepines come with an FDA black box warning about the risks of addiction, withdrawal, and physical dependence. Stopping abruptly can cause severe withdrawal reactions including seizures.

There is a risk of overdose

When taken as directed, benzodiazepines can be safe and effective. Overdoses have been reported when benzodiazepines are used alone or in combination. These situations can be life-threatening.

4

Extreme Sedation

Confusion

Inadequate coordination

Diminished reflexes

Difficulty in breathing

Coma

If you suspect that you have taken too much benzodiazepine, it is important to seek immediate medical attention.

Tolerance, dependence, and withdrawal

When taken for prolonged periods, especially in high doses, benzodiazepines can cause physical dependence. Some people can become addicted to them psychologically.

Studies have shown that those who use benzodiazepines for a prolonged period of time can develop tolerance. To achieve desired results, higher doses may be necessary.

If the medication is abruptly stopped or reduced, it can lead to physical dependence and withdrawal symptoms.

Anxiety

Diarrhea/stomach upset

Insomnia

Muscle cramps

Headache

Concentration has declined

Rapid breathing

Tremors

Seizures

Your doctor should be consulted before you discontinue or reduce your benzodiazepine dosage. To avoid withdrawal complications, it may be necessary to reduce your dose slowly.

Alternatives to Benzodiazepines

Benzodiazepines can be effective and quick-acting. This makes them an excellent choice for treating anxiety episodes that are short-term or acute. But benzodiazepines may not be the only treatment for anxiety symptoms. Antidepressants, beta blockers and a medication called BuSpar (buspirone) may also be used to treat anxiety.

Supplements and OTC anxiety remedies can also be useful in certain situations. Anxiety can be helped by herbal remedies such as lavender, l'theanine, chamomile and valerian.

Off-label Benadryl and other antihistamines can be used to treat anxiety symptoms. Cannabidiol may offer some benefits to ease anxiety symptoms.

Lifestyle changes can be very helpful in relieving anxiety. A healthy lifestyle can help keep anxiety levels under control. This includes getting enough sleep, limiting caffeine intake, regular exercise 7, and avoiding overeating. For more visit Luxury rehab

Although medication can help with anxiety, they are most effective when used in conjunction psychotherapy and lifestyle changes.