What Are Common Benzodiazepines?
Benzodiazepines seem to have been discovered in the 1950s. This type of medication is intended to affect the central nervous system. They should produce a calming effect by attaching to the brain's GABA-A receptors. Doctors may only prescribe them for the short-term, as they want to reduce the potential for dependency. Side effects may include nausea, dizziness, weakness, and confusion. There seem to be, however, many other potential side effects.
Benzodiazepines appear to be one of the best treatments for seizures. They may also be of use for panic disorder treatment or sleep disturbances. Treatment for anxiety may also include this type of medication temporarily. The ultimate use chosen for each patient may dictate the exact medication prescribed.
Clonazepam (Klonopin)
Clonazepam, which is often sold as Klonopin, may be used to treat seizures. It can also help prevent them. Adults may also take this medication for panic disorder or agoraphobia. However, it may not be suitable for those with narrow-angle glaucoma or liver disease.
Side effects may sometimes occur when taking this medication. As such, patients may want to be watchful for drowsiness, depression, feeling dizzy, and fatigue. Individuals may also encounter balance or memory issues. It is an emergency should they experience issues breathing, seizures, or a pounding heartbeat. Their eyes moving involuntary may also be a serious concern. Thus, patients should contact their doctor immediately to be safe. They may also want to talk about the other medications they take before starting this one. Ones that their doctor should be aware of include muscle relaxers, cough medicine, and sleeping pills.
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Lorazepam (Ativan)
It appears as if lorazepam (Ativan) is usually prescribed for seizures of anxiety. However, pregnant women may not want to take this medication. They should look at potential alternatives to stay safe. This also seems to apply to breastfeeding women. A history of depression, liver disease, kidney disease, and mood disorders may be of concern with this medication. Thus, patients may want to inform their doctor this any apply to them. This medication may interact with alcohol. Avoiding drinking alcohol, therefore, should be a consideration for patients.
Patients may deal with some side effects. Potential ones include feeling unsteady, weakness, feeling drowsy, and dizziness. Antihistamines can interact with this medication. So, patients should consider discussing this with their doctor first. Other medicines for mental health may be impacted as well.
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Alprazolam (Xanax)
Although most individuals may know it as Xanax, it is truly called alprazolam. It should help patients with anxiety or panic disorder. This seems to include anxiety due to depression. Doctors should ask their patients about a history of seizures, breathing issues, addiction, and suicidal thoughts before prescribing it. Kidney or liver disease also appear to matter with it. Other considerations for this medication include not being under eighteen, pregnant, or breastfeeding. Allergies to other medicines of this type impact it too. Potential interactions with other medicines may happen. Due to this, patients should discuss anything they take with their doctor.
Panic disorder patients may take this for up to ten weeks. Sixteen weeks may be possible for anxiety disorder. However, side effects may be of concern. They can include fatigue, blurry vision, memory problems, weight changes, and coordination issues. Other possibilities seem to be low blood pressure, diarrhea, and muscle twitching.
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Diazepam (Valium)
Sometimes patients with muscle spasms, anxiety disorders, or alcohol withdrawal will be prescribed Valium. This medication, also called diazepam, may help control seizures if pair with other medicine. However, it may not be safe for those with sleep apnea, severe liver disease, or myasthenia gravis, among other issues. A history of epilepsy and breathing issues also seem to be potential points of concern. Patients should consider thoroughly discussing any other health issue in detail with their doctor. This should help them avoid possible interactions and complications, including those for pregnant women.
Individuals on this medication may deal with feeling unsteady, drowsy, or dizzy. They may want to get up slowly to help with this. Avoiding alcohol looks to be very important with this medication. Unfortunately, they may also have to reduce how much grapefruit they eat. It seems to interact with this medication.
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Temazepam (Restoril)
Some patients with insomnia may be prescribed temazepam. This may be able to help them fall asleep faster. It is also possible for this medication to make them stay asleep for longer. They may take this medication for one to two weeks. Usually, they will do so by mouth just before bedtime. Taking this medication with foods seems to help, so patients may want to try doing so to avoid side effects. Individuals may also wish to take this medication when they have seven to eight hours to dedicate to sleep. This is because there is a rare possibility of temporarily losing their short-term memory.
Individuals may experience dizziness. If this happens, they may want to get up slowly when they have been sitting or lying down. Although drowsiness may occur, doctors should be able to adjust the patient's dose. It may be an issue for liver disease, kidney disease, problems breathing, and other conditions. Doctors should know about any other conditions patients have to help account for this. Like others, it appears this medication is not suitable for pregnant women. It may also not suit those who are breastfeeding. These factors also warrant a discussion. Other medicines patients take may also be discussed, as there are potential interactions.
