Benzodiazepams are one of the most common groups of medicine used for anxiety disorder treatment. However, they are used for short term relief as opposed to treatments with long term goals. They are used for fast, quick and effective treatment, but are also said to have various side effects.
The benzodiazepams are mainly of two types. These include the anxiolytics, which are used as anxiety disorder treatment and hypnotics, used for treatment of sleep related problems.
How Do They Work?Benzodiazepams act on the gamma-aminobutyric acid or GABA, which are the neurotransmitters of the brain. These medicines help in accelerating the action of the GABA, which can slow down the reactions of the brain and can control anxiety. The benzodiazepams generally work very fast and can have immediate effect. They can also help prepare the patient for the long term therapy.
Words of WarningBut benzodiazepams are also addictive and you must use them with certain caution and with proper medical advice. Many people face severe withdrawal symptoms as they stop taking these medicines. So, they must be used only in cases of emergency and the patient needs to rely on therapies or anti depressant medicines for long term benefit.
Many users of benzodiazepams also complain that the anxiety can return with new vigor once the effect of the medicine subsides. So, all these factors should be taken in to consideration before using this medicine.
Possible Side EffectsThe side effects of benzodiazepams taken in moderate dosage can include confusion, drowsiness, fatigue, lose of physical agility, slurring of the speech, diarrhea etc. However if taken in high dosage, it can cause permanent damage to motor activities, and can slow down the reflexes. It can also result in damaging the general comprehension and the judgment abilities of the patient.
It is advisable that you gradually reduce your intake of the benzodiazepams so that there is no feeling of void and withdrawal. So, this group of medication is genuinely effective in providing short term relief, but you must take some cautionary approaches while using them.
The seven most common types of benzodiazepams used for treatment of anxiety disorders are as follows:
1. ChlordiazepoxideThis is the first discovered benzodiazepam and goes by the brand name Librium.
2. DiazepamThis was first approved in 1963 and is used for treatment of anxiety disorders. The brand name for diazepam is Valium.
3. LorazepamThis is also a common benzodiazepam and the brand name for this is Ativan.
4. OxazepamThis medicine is available under different brand names like Alepam, Murelax, Serax etc.
5. ChlorazepateThis is another effective anxiolytics and is available in the market as Tranxene and Novo-Clopate.
6. BromazepamVarious brands of this medicine are commonly available in the market. The brands include Lexotan, Bromaze, Lectopam etc.
7. AlprazolamThe trade name for alprazolam is Xanax.