Halazepam is a sedative drug. It works to temporarily fight severe anxiety by balancing the chemicals in the brain. The medication is a derivative of the benzodiazepine class of drugs. It is also a psycholeptic, which is used to calm the body, and an anxiolytic, which directly addresses anxiety. Halazepam is considered to be less toxic than many other anti-anxiety drugs, though it is also habit forming.
The drug works by relaxing the muscles, reducing tension, and thus lessening anxiety. Halazepam tends to be a safe when used for the short term. There appear to be more physical and psychological risks associated with the medication when it is used over longer periods. Some risks include respiratory problems and damage to the central nervous system.
As benzodiazepines are habit-forming drugs, it is particularly important to take the medication exactly as recommended. It may be necessary to phase out the drug near the end of treatment in order to reduce the risk of withdrawal symptoms. Phasing out can come in short and long-term forms, the latter of which is used for halazepam.
Halazepam is an oral medication. Doctors typically recommend that it be taken with a glass of water. The dosage varies according to the condition of the patient. As the drug can cause dizziness and drowsiness, it is also usually recommended that the patient not drive or operate heavy equipment after taking it.
There are some conditions which increase the risk of taking Halazepam. They include respiratory diseases such as emphysema, asthma, or bronchitis. Kidney or liver disease can also make taking the drug problematic. It may also be dangerous for patients who have been diagnosed as depressed or who have had thoughts of committing suicide.
Some of the most common side effects of Halazepam include nausea, vomiting, and headaches. Patients may also get constipation, diarrhea, or have difficulty urinating. There may also be changes in mood and behavior, including depression. Some who have taken the drug have also felt drowsy, dizzy, and uncharacteristically clumsy.
More serious side effects of Halazepam include hallucinations, vision changes, and the development of sores in the throat or mouth. Some patients also develop yellowing in the eyes or skin. Common symptoms of an allergic reaction include hives; swelling of face, lips, and tongue; and breathing difficulties. These symptoms should receive prompt medical attention. An overdose of the drug can lead to a coma.
