benzodiazepines drugs

Question

I’ve been dealing with anxiety and panic attacks for a while, and my doctor recently mentioned benzodiazepines drugs as a possible treatment. I’ve heard of medications like Xanax and Valium before, but I never really understood how they work. What exactly do benzodiazepines drugs do in the body, and how are they different from other anxiety medications like antidepressants?

I know that benzodiazepines drugs are supposed to help with anxiety, but do they actually treat the problem, or do they just temporarily calm you down? If I start taking them, will I have to stay on them long-term, or are they only meant for short-term use?

One thing that worries me is the risk of dependence. I’ve read that benzodiazepines drugs can be addictive if taken for too long. How quickly can someone develop a dependence? Does it happen even if you take the medication exactly as prescribed?

I’ve also seen people mention withdrawal symptoms when stopping benzodiazepines drugs. What happens if someone stops taking them suddenly? Is withdrawal dangerous, or is it just uncomfortable? If I ever need to stop taking them, what’s the safest way to do it?

Another thing I’m wondering is whether benzodiazepines drugs make you drowsy all the time. Can you still function normally while taking them, or do they make you feel out of it? Also, do they interact badly with alcohol or other medications?

Are there safer alternatives to benzodiazepines drugs for managing anxiety? I’ve heard about therapy, lifestyle changes, and even herbal remedies, but do any of them work as well? If anyone has taken benzodiazepines drugs before, how was your experience? Did they actually help, or did you have side effects?

Dr. Evgeny Arsentev · Accepted Answer

Benzodiazepines, like Xanax and Valium, work by calming your nervous system. They enhance the effect of a neurotransmitter called GABA, which helps to reduce anxiety and induce a feeling of calm. Unlike antidepressants, which take longer to have an effect, benzodiazepines provide rapid relief from anxiety symptoms. However, they don’t treat the root cause of anxiety, which is why they are usually prescribed for short-term use, such as during a particularly stressful period.

Dependence can develop if these medications are used long-term, especially if they are taken more frequently than prescribed. It’s possible to become dependent even when following the prescribed dosage, so doctors typically monitor usage closely. If you ever need to stop taking them, it’s important to do so gradually under your doctor’s guidance to avoid withdrawal symptoms, which can range from uncomfortable to dangerous in severe cases.

Benzodiazepines can cause drowsiness and impair your ability to function normally, especially when first starting the medication. They should not be combined with alcohol, as the effects can be intensified, leading to serious health risks. Additionally, they can interact with other medications, so it's important to inform your doctor about anything else you're taking.

For long-term management of anxiety, alternatives like therapy, lifestyle changes, and sometimes non-benzodiazepine medications can be very effective. Cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) is one of the most successful forms of therapy for anxiety.

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