Understanding The Most Common Benzodiazepines

Benzodiazepines affect the central nervous system. This type of medication was discovered in the 1950s. They produce a calming effect as they attach to the brain's GABA-A receptors. They are incredibly helpful for individuals who require them. Of course, they do have potential side effects. This includes dizziness, feeling unsteady, and some sedation. Confusion, nausea, and vision changes may also appear. This type of medication can impact the operation of heavy machinery or driving a car.

Patients looking for the best treatment for seizures are often told about benzodiazepines. They also help in the treatment of anxiety disorders and panic disorder. This medication is even used as an insomnia treatment! Of course, the precise treatment depends on the exact medication prescribed.

Clonazepam (Klonopin)

Clonazepam (Klonopin) is most often used to treat seizures! Other conditions it helps treat include panic disorder in adults and Lennox-Gastaut syndrome in children. However, individuals with allergies to other benzodiazepines should not take this medication. It is also not recommended for liver disease or narrow-angle glaucoma patients.

Of course, side effects do occur with this medication! The most common that patients will experience include fatigue, drowsiness, dizziness, and depression. Memory and balance issues do arise, though these are less common! Patients taking this medication must inform their doctor as soon as possible if they experience problems breathing, a pounding heartbeat, involuntary eye movements, and, of course, seizures! Discussing other medications that they are taking first is crucial. Ones that patients must mention to their doctor include sleeping pills, cough medicine, and muscle relaxers.

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Lorazepam (Ativan)

Lorazepam (Ativan) is a significant medication for the treatment of seizures as well as anxiety. However, pregnant patients should not take it. Like the previous medication, individuals with narrow-angle glaucoma are not suitable for lorazepam either. Doctors will also ask their patients about their history of mood disorders, depression, kidney disease, and liver disease. This is because they will likely need to find an alternative to this medication. Women who are breastfeeding must also speak to their doctor before taking it to be safe! As always, patients must not consume alcohol while taking lorazepam.

If patients experience side effects, the most common are feeling unsteady, drowsiness, weakness, and dizziness. Other medications must be checked with their doctor first if they are taking lorazepam. Examples include antihistamines as well as other mental health medications. In fact, patients should inform their doctor of any medicines they take before being prescribed this one. They should also review medications before adding anything else in the future!

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Temazepam (Restoril)

Patients who have insomnia are often prescribed temazepam (Restoril). It helps individuals fall asleep faster! This medication will also help them stay asleep for longer periods. Patients will take it orally for one to two weeks in the majority of cases. They should do so shortly before they go to bed. This will provide the best results! Short-term memory issues can occur. Thus, patients should only take this medication when they know they have a minimum of seven to eight hours free for sleep.

The most common side effect of this medication is dizziness. Thus, patients have to stand up slowly when they have been lying down. Drowsiness during the day is also a potential side effect. Thankfully, doctors will adjust the patient's dose to make this side effect disappear! Patients with liver disease, kidney disease, or issues breathing should not take this medication. A history of sleepwalking means that they should not have it either! It is also not suitable for women who are pregnant or breastfeeding. Of course, patients need to avoid consuming alcohol when prescribed this medication!

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Alprazolam (Xanax)

Individuals who have panic or anxiety disorders are often prescribed alprazolam (Xanax). Of course, their doctor must know if they have dealt with breathing problems, seizures, or suicidal thoughts first. A history of addiction is also a crucial detail! Their prescribing doctor should even know if they have ever dealt with kidney or liver disease. It is also worth noting that individuals under eighteen years old should not take this medication. Pregnant or breastfeeding women should never take it either! Furthermore, individuals with allergies to other benzodiazepines should not use this either. Of course, patients must always discuss their other medications with their doctor to avoid interactions!

Patients typically take this medication for up to ten weeks for panic disorder. Individuals with anxiety disorders will take it for up to sixteen weeks! Side effects with this medication do occur. The most common include fatigue, drowsiness, blurry vision, weight changes, and memory issues. Low blood pressure, insomnia, and diarrhea as side effects have appeared, but are rare.

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Diazepam (Valium)

Diazepam, often sold as Valium, is used to treat muscle spasms, anxiety disorders, and alcohol withdrawal symptoms. It also works to control seizures when it is combined with other medicines. Of course, children under six months old cannot take this medication. It is also unsuitable for patients with issues such as severe liver disease, sleep apnea, or myasthenia gravis. Individuals with issues breathing, epilepsy, or other mental health conditions should talk to their doctor before taking this medication! If patients with epilepsy take this medication and wish to get pregnant, they must speak to their doctor. This will ensure that they will have a smooth pregnancy!

Common side effects of this medication include feeling unsteady, dizzy, or drowsy. They can reduce their risk of falling by getting up slowly! Surprisingly, this medication interacts with grapefruit. Thus, patients must discuss how much grapefruit they can eat when taking this medication. Of course, they must avoid alcohol!