Misuse of benzodiazepines increases your risk of overdose and death. Only take these drugs as your doctor prescribes.
Talk with your healthcare professional if you have any concerns about safely taking a benzodiazepine. Most people feel anxious at some point in their lives, and the feeling often goes away by itself. An anxiety disorder is different. Treatment typically consists of psychotherapy and medication. While drugs do not cure anxiety, they can help you manage your symptoms, so you can function well and feel better in your day-to-day life.
Many types of medications are available. Because every person is different, you and your doctor may have to try several medications to find the right one for you. Benzodiazepines are sedatives that can help relax your muscles and calm your mind. They work by increasing the effects of certain neurotransmitters, which are chemicals that relay messages between your brain cells. Benzodiazepines help treat many kinds of anxiety disorders, including panic disorder , generalized anxiety disorder , and social anxiety disorder.
Examples of these drugs include:. Benzodiazepines are typically used for short-term treatment of anxiety. This is because they can increase drowsiness and cause problems with balance and memory.
They can also be habit-forming. However, if you have panic disorder, your doctor may prescribe benzodiazepines for up to 1 year. Instead, talk with your doctor about slowly tapering off your dosage to reduce your risk of seizure. Buspirone is used to treat both short-term anxiety and chronic long-lasting anxiety disorders.
Buspirone can take up to several weeks to become fully effective. Side effects can include dizziness , headaches, and nausea. Some people also report strange dreams or difficulty sleeping when they take buspirone. Antidepressant medications work by affecting neurotransmitters. Patients who misuse prescription medications might believe that these substances are safer than illicit substances, which is not the case. Any patient under treatment with a prescription medication for a mental health disorder should discuss the use of alcohol, over-the-counter medications and other substances with their pharmacist or provider.
Everyone needs to have an open conversation about those risks. Generally, providers do not recommend benzodiazepines during pregnancy or during breastfeeding because they can get into breast milk. The nursing infant has the potential to experience symptoms like sedation, feeding difficulties and weight loss.
You and your health care team should evaluate the benefits of breastfeeding with the risk of potential infant drug exposure and an untreated or inadequately treated mental health disorder in the mother. Anxiety disorders are treated differently depending on the person. However, there is hope for your recovery and you are worth it. If you are having trouble managing your anxiety, then speak with a health care provider about your options. Media contact: Dee Dee Grays , Which anti-anxiety medication is right for me?
Understanding anti-anxiety medications like benzodiazepines, antidepressants and others is an important step to successfully managing anxiety disorders.
Facebook 0 Tweet 0. You may also like. Putting an end to postpartum depression. If your doctor recommends that you stop taking benzodiazepines, he or she will help you to slowly reduce your dose over time, to avoid withdrawal symptoms. Benzodiazepines are not recommended for use by children and teens, except to bring sedation prior to surgery or for brief medical procedures.
Extra caution should be used when considering giving benzodiazepines to children as these drugs may cause children to become irritable rather than calm. Sensitivity to the effects of benzodiazepines increases with age. When older adults take these drugs, they may become confused and have reduced muscle co-ordination, putting them at greater risk of falls, hip fractures and motor vehicle crashes. If an older person has been taking benzodiazepines regularly for a very long time, the process required to stop taking them may be long and difficult.
In some cases, a doctor may decide to leave the older person on the medication, with regular assessment of daytime side-effects. For more information on medications, contact your doctor, nurse or pharmacist. Back to top. Your donation will fund the groundbreaking mental health research that is helping people on the path to recovery.
Keep your finger on our pulse — latest CAMH news, discoveries and ways to get involved delivered to your inbox. To unsubscribe at any time click the link in our mailing or email: unsubscribe camh. Overview Anti-anxiety medications help reduce the symptoms of anxiety, such as panic attacks or extreme fear and worry. Do I need this treatment?
What does Anti-anxiety Medications Benzodiazepines do? Side effects of Anti-anxiety Medications Benzodiazepines The side-effects of benzodiazepines are generally mild and may not be noticed when these drugs are used at low doses. Common side-effects include: drowsiness sedation dizziness loss of balance. At higher doses, side-effects can include: confusion disorientation amnesia breathing difficulties depression.
Types of Anti-anxiety Medications Benzodiazepines Many types of benzodiazepines are available in Canada. Frequently Asked Questions How long should I take benzodiazepines? Are benzodiazepines addictive? With benzodiazepines, it is known that: Tolerance to the sleep-inducing effects may develop within a few weeks of regular use; however, tolerance does not usually develop with occasional use. Tolerance to the anxiety-relieving effects is less likely to develop. Tolerance to the effects of one type of benzodiazepine leads to tolerance to other benzodiazepines, and to other drugs with similar effects, including alcohol.
How do I safely use benzodiazepines? Take only as directed by your doctor; do not increase your dose. How do I cut down or stop taking benzodiazepines? Problems are most likely to occur when: the issues that caused you to take these drugs in the first place have not yet been dealt with no other medication or talk therapy has been started. Will benzodiazepines interact with other medications? What if I drink alcohol or coffee while taking benzodiazepines?
What if I use street drugs while taking benzodiazepines? Will benzodiazepines affect my ability to drive safely? Will benzodiazepines affect my sex drive and function? There is no clear evidence that benzodiazepines have any effect on sex drive or function.
Is it safe to take benzodiazepines while pregnant or breastfeeding? Can children and teens use benzodiazepines? Can older adults use benzodiazepines? If a person notices any side effects from their medication, they should speak to a doctor or pharmacist. To alleviate side effects, a doctor may adjust the dosage slowly or recommend another medication or form of therapy. It is essential never to stop taking medication without medical supervision as it may cause withdrawal symptoms.
Anxiety and related mental health conditions can cause ear ringing or tinnitus, and tinnitus can exacerbate existing anxiety. Learn more about the…. Selective mutism is an anxiety disorder that causes an inability to speak in certain situations. Learn more about the causes and treatment. After lockdown, many people feel different types of anxiety, including social, health, or work-related stress. Learn ways to overcome this.
Caffeine is a stimulant that can cause people to feel anxious. Learn more. Everything you need to know about anxiety medications. Medically reviewed by Zara Risoldi Cochrane, Pharm.
Types of anxiety medication Side effects Suicide risk and antidepressants Seeing a doctor Takeaway The term anxiety encompasses feelings of worry, fear, and unease. Types of anxiety medication. Share on Pinterest A doctor may prescribe medication to treat persistent anxiety. Side effects. Suicide risk and antidepressants. Share on Pinterest Anyone experiencing suicidal thoughts should speak to a doctor or therapist. When to see a doctor.
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