Anti-anxiety Drugs – Tranquilizers and Benzodiazepines

Anti-anxiety drugs, also known as tranquilizers, are medications that relieve anxiety by slowing down the central nervous system. Their relaxing and calming effects have made them very popular: anti-anxiety drugs are the most widely prescribed type of medication for anxiety. They are also prescribed as sleeping pills and muscle relaxants.

Benzodiazepines are the most common class of anti-anxiety drugs. They include :

· Xanax (alprazolam)

· Klonopin (clonazepam)

· Valium (diazepam)

· Ativan (lorazepam)

Benzodiazepines are fast acting typically bringing relief within thirty minutes to an hour. Because they work quickly, benzodiazepines are very effective when taken during a panic attack or another overwhelming anxiety episode. But despite their potent anti-anxiety effects, they have their drawbacks.

Side effects of anti-anxiety drugs

Anti-anxiety drugs like benzodiazepines work by reducing brain activity. Understandably, this leads to side effects beyond anxiety relief.

The higher the dose, the more pronounced these side effects typically are. But some people feel sleepy, foggy, and uncoordinated even on low doses of benzodiazepines, which can cause problems with work, school, or everyday activities such as driving. Some even feel a medication hangover the next day.

Because benzodiazepines are metabolized slowly, the medication can build up in the body when used over longer periods of time. The result is oversedation. People who are oversedated may look like they’re drunk.

Common side-effects of benzodiazepines or tranquilizers

· Drowsiness, lack of energy

· Clumsiness, slow reflexes

· Slurred speech

· Confusion and disorientation

· Depression

· Dizziness, lightheadedness

· Impaired thinking and judgement

· Memory loss, forgetfulness

· Nausea, stomach upset

· Blurred or double vision

Benzodiazepines are also associated with depression. Long-term benzodiazepine users are often depressed, and higher doses are believed to increase the risk of both depressive symptoms and suicidal thoughts and feelings. Furthermore, benzodiazepines can cause emotional blunting or numbness. The medication relieves the anxiety, but it also blocks feelings of pleasure or pain.

Paradoxical effects of anti-anxiety drugs

Despite their sedating properties, some people who take anti-anxiety medication experience paradoxical excitement. The most common paradoxical reactions are increased anxiety, irritability, and agitation. However, more severe effects can also occur, including :

· Mania

· Hostility and rage

· Aggressive or impulsive behavior

· Hallucinations

While rare, these adverse effects are dangerous. Paradoxical reactions to these anxiety medications are most common in children, the elderly, and people with developmental disabilities.

The above information thankfully comes from the helpguide.org at the following link.