What Are Common Benzodiazepines?

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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