Benzodiazepines, Benzodiazepine Overview

Benzodiazepines are in the tranquilizer class of drugs, familiar ones being Valium and Xanax. A benzodiazepine is most commonly prescribed to relieve anxiety and insomnia. Yet it’s also given in these health related situations as well:

Benzodiazepines are typically well tolerated by most. But they can cause drowsiness or dizziness side effects, usually with higher doses. Other potential drug side effects from taking a benzodiazepine are:

Symptoms of benzodiazepine toxicity or overdose include these side effects plus slurred speech and breathing difficulty, and you could even slip into a coma. And you need to contact your health care provider ASAP if benzodiazepines cause you to experience chest pain, a change in your heart rate, vision changes or jaundice.

As with any drug, an allergic reaction is always possible, as demonstrated by symptoms of a rash, itching, swelling, hives, dizziness and trouble breathing. In this instance, emergency health care attention is required.

Benzodiazepine usage precautions include a history of liver disease, kidney disease or drug allergies. And because alcohol used in combination with benzodiazepines can lead to a dangerous sedation, it’s imperative to forgo alcohol consumption while taking this drug.

You can become physically dependent on benzodiazepines, for which an abrupt stoppage can cause withdrawal symptoms and even seizures. Symptoms of withdrawal can cause an anxious feeling and insomnia, the very reason you might have started taking them in the first place.

For some, this drug’s dependency can be very difficult to withdrawal from because symptoms persist for a long time even with a slow, stepped down dose reduction. As such, using the drug for withdrawal symptom relief is enticing and it can be arduous to overcome the temptation.

So all in all, you might want to try to conquer your anxiety or insomnia via some healthier means before taking a benzodiazepine, like through meditation, yoga and stress management.