Benzodiazepines

These are a kind of psychoactive drug, minor tranquillizers which are particularly helpful in relieving anxiety and insomnia, but they are not antidepressants, nor can they effective treat anxiety disorders. They have a sedative effect and are often used before medical procedures or dental work to help to calm a patient’s tension and anxiety. They should be used with extreme caution as they are prone to cause dependence.

The most commonly used benzodiazepines are:

• diazepam
• alprazolam
• lorazepam

Possible side-effects of treatment with benzodiazepines include:

• sedation
• loss of memory
• unsteadiness
• dependence

Benzodiazepines are the classical and effective anxiolytic treatment for anxiety disorders, although problems with side-effects, dependence and misuse in the last 10 years have reduced their use.

All benzodiazepines have a potential to cause dependence and patients are prescribed the smallest dosage possible to provide an acceptable level of symptom relief. For some patients, intermittent treatment is enough to alleviate symptoms. Most of the disadvantages of benzodiazepines result from long-term use.