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Benzodiazepines
Benzodiazepine medicines are used to relieve anxiety, induce sleep, relax muscles, and relieve muscle spasms or seizures. Benzodiazepines work by slowing down the central nervous system.
Benzodiazepines can be habit-forming and are sometimes used illegally. Frequent or high-dosage use of benzodiazepines can lead to abnormal behavior (such as aggression and hostility) and to physical dependence on the drug.
Common benzodiazepine medicines include alprazolam (Xanax), chlordiazepoxide (Librium), diazepam (Valium), lorazepam (Ativan), and oxazepam (Serax).
How can you care for yourself when you plan to stop taking benzodiazepine?
- Follow your doctor's plan for slowly lowering your dose.
- Be safe with medicines. Take your medicines exactly as prescribed. Call your doctor if you think you are having a problem with your medicine.
- Don't drink alcohol.
- Don't take over-the-counter sleep medicines unless you talk to your doctor first.
- Think about seeing a counselor for help dealing with stress and anxiety. Your doctor can recommend one.
- Know that some discomfort is common. It will get better.
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