took benzodiazepines prescribed by a healthcare provider. In a 12-month period spanning 20, experts estimate that at least 30.5 million people in the U.S. Yes, benzodiazepines are commonly prescribed and see widespread use. Because of how they work, these drugs are most effective in treating insomnia and related sleep disorders. These drugs also activate the same receptors as benzodiazepines and cause GABA release. These benzodiazepines are also very important in treating seizures (including those due to epilepsy) and status epilepticus, a seizure-related medical emergency.Ī few medications mimic the hypnotic effects and work similarly to benzodiazepines, but they aren't the same. It can also treat more severe issues like catatonia (which often happens with mental health conditions like schizophrenia or bipolar disorder). It can treat conditions and symptoms related to muscle control, such as muscle spasms.

Hypnotic: These treat insomnia and related sleep disorders.

Anxiolytic: These treat anxiety disorders, such as social anxiety disorder and panic disorder.

Amnestic: These are common for beginning general anesthesia before surgeries and other medical procedures.

For example, most benzodiazepines have a sedative effect in addition to their primary effect. While there are separate types because they have different primary effects, there’s a lot of overlap between them. These medications treat conditions based on which effect they cause. What conditions do benzodiazepines treat? Chronic, non-emergency conditions are usually treatable with lower-strength, longer-acting benzodiazepines. Short-term or emergency conditions usually merit the use of stronger, short-acting benzodiazepines. The strength and duration of action of benzodiazepines are important in what conditions they treat. Most long-acting benzodiazepines aren’t as strong. Some are long-acting and last several days.

Duration of action: Some benzodiazepines are short-acting and last only several hours.

For example, 15 milligrams (mg) to 30 mg of flurazepam is generally equivalent to 0.25 mg to 0.5 mg of clonazepam.

Strength: Some benzodiazepines are stronger than others (though potency can vary from person to person for varying reasons).

There are two main ways that experts classify benzodiazepines:

Sedative: This term comes from a Latin word that means “to settle.” In this context, benzodiazepines help your nervous system “settle down” and have a quieting effect.

Just like their namesake, hypnotic medications make you sleepy.

Hypnotic: While many people associate “hypnotic’’ with the practice of hypnosis, this word actually comes from the name Hypnos, the Greek god of sleep.

Anxiolytic: This term is a combination of two Greek root words, “anxio” for “anxiety” and “lytic,” meaning “to loosen.” While active, medications with this effect “loosen’’ anxiety’s hold on you.

Amnestic: This word comes from a Greek word that means “forgetfulness.” Benzodiazepines temporarily block the formation of new memories (known as anterograde amnesia).

The slowed activity can have the following effects: This neurotransmitter has a specific job: It makes your nervous system less active. If it fits, the neurotransmitter can activate a process within the cell (starting your car).īenzodiazepines tell your brain to release a neurotransmitter, gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA). Neurotransmitters (your car key) can only fit into the right receptor (your car ignition). Neurotransmitters and receptors work much like your car keys.

The chemical signals, known as neurotransmitters, can attach to cells with the right receptors.

Your nervous system uses chemical and electrical signals to send and relay messages throughout your body. If your nervous system’s activity drops too low, it can have dangerous or even deadly effects. Because of these factors, healthcare providers use benzodiazepines cautiously. IMPORTANT: Benzodiazepines are controlled because they can have dangerous effects, especially when misused. It’s illegal to have or obtain them (depending on the laws where you are) if you don’t have a prescription.

That means you need a prescription to get them. Many countries, including the U.S., classify benzodiazepines (sometimes known by the slang term “benzos”) as controlled substances. The decrease in nervous system activity makes these medications helpful for a variety of symptoms and conditions. Benzodiazepines are medications that make your nervous system less active.

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