Understanding Benzodiazepine Medicine

Benzodiazepines are a type of medicine. They are used to treat some health conditions. These include anxiety and trouble sleeping. They slow the central nervous system. And they lower the activity of brain signals to the body. They can make you feel sleepy and relaxed. They may be given as pills. Or they may be given as shots (injections). They may also be given through an I.V. (intravenous) in a hospital.

How to say it

behn-zoh-di-AZ-uh-peens

Benefits

Benzodiazepine medicines work well for anxiety disorders. These include:

• Acute anxiety.

• General anxiety disorder.

• Panic disorder.

• Agoraphobia.

• Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD).

• Obsessive compulsive disorder (OCD).

• Social phobia.

These medicines also work well for:

• Trouble sleeping (insomnia).

• Seizure disorders.

• Reducing muscle spasms in cerebral palsy or paralysis.

• Reducing anxiety before surgery or chemotherapy.

Risks

• Withdrawal symptoms. These may happen after long-time use.

• Memory problems and falls. They increase the risk of these in older adults who take them for a long time.

• Addiction and abuse. These medicines may be abused and used to get high. They may be used to come down from taking stimulants. When abused, they may be taken as pills. Or they may be crushed and then snorted or injected.

• Interactions. They may cause problems when used with other medicine, illegal drugs, or alcohol. This can lead to trouble breathing, overdose, and death.

Guidelines for use

The name of my benzodiazepine is:

You were prescribed a benzodiazepine. Make sure to:

• Read the fact sheet that came with your medicine. It tells you when and how to take your medicine. Ask for a sheet if you didn’t get one.

• Tell your health care provider about all the medicines you take. This includes over-the-counter medicines. And it includes vitamins, supplements, and illegal drugs.

• Take this medicine exactly as directed. Do not take a higher dose. And do not take it more often than you are supposed to. If you think the medicine is not working, talk to your provider. This medicine can be habit-forming when taken regularly. This is more of a risk if you take more than the prescribed amount.

• If you want to stop taking this medicine, talk to your provider. Don't stop taking it without talking to them first. They will help you taper off the medicine slowly and safely.

• Don’t drink alcohol while taking this medicine.

• Don’t take this medicine if you are pregnant or plan to be.

• Don’t take antacids within 2 hours of taking this medicine. Antacids may make it harder for your body to take in the medicine.

• Store this medicine in a cool area. Keep it in a safe place away from the reach of children.

When to contact your doctor

Contact your health care provider right away if you have:

• Behavior changes.

• Confusion.

• Depression.

• Convulsions (seizures).

• Hallucinations.

• Worse nervousness, excitability, or irritability.

• Movements of your body that you can't control, including your eyes.

• Unusual weakness or tiredness.

• Skin rash or itching.

• Unusual bleeding or bruising.

• Yellow skin or eyes.

• Sore throat.

• Sores in your mouth or throat.

• Fever and chills.