The use of benzodiazepines for anxiety disorders is relatively common. Sometimes used in measured doses daily and at other times prescribed for use on an as-needed basis, there are several different medications classed in this category, with each offering specific benefits in terms of time release and effectiveness with different levels of anxiety. Along with being effective for managing the anxiety symptoms, there are also some potential side effects associated with the use of these types of anti-anxiety drugs.
While different benzodiazepines for anxiety each work in a slightly different manner, each one tends to focus on providing relief from panic attacks and general anxiety for a measured period of time. This relief may last as long as 12 hours, depending on the type and dosage administered. Benzodiazepines function by binding to what is known as the gabor receptor, a neurotransmitter that plays a role in brain function. When administered in the right dosage, a benzodiazepine like alprazolam, clonazepam or diazepam helps to regulate the fight or flight mechanism that anxiety triggers, effectively making it possible for the anxiety sufferer to return to a calmer state. Typically, benzodiazepines for anxiety also help to minimize the symptoms of anxiety attacks that include derealization, depersonalization, foggy thinking, body weakness and the sense of impending death or some other catastrophic event that the sufferer perceives is about to occur.
Benzodiazepines for anxiety also help with some of the phobias that may develop as the anxiety disorder continues. For example, alprazolam is often the benzodiazepine of choice when the patient exhibits evidence of agoraphobia. People who tolerate the drug well often find that entering into crowded or public spaces is not as fearsome as before, allowing them to begin to recover some of the social functioning and interaction that a prolonged bout with anxiety can undermine.
While there are many benefits associated with using benzodiazepines for anxiety, there are also some potential drawbacks. Some patients have reported becoming lethargic and unable to function, while others find the anxiety medication helps them feel more energetic. Not everyone tolerates the use of benzodiazepines, and may find that instead of reducing the symptoms of anxiety, the medication magnifies those symptoms.
There is also some potential for becoming addicted to any type of benzodiazepine, especially at larger doses. Using the medication only under the care of a physician, and promptly reporting any side effect to the physician will make it possible to adjust the dosage so that the benefits are realized with a minimum of negative side effects. Like most drugs that are used to deal with emotional and mental disorders, it is recommended that patients incrementally wean off benzodiazepines rather than attempting to stop cold, as this often leads to severe rebound symptoms.
