Benzodiazepines (also known as “benzos“) are a type of medication that some people take for sleep, anxiety, or relaxation.

 

Here are the names of some commonly prescribed benzodiazepines, or similar types of medications:

• Alprazolam (“Xanax”)

• Chlordiazepoxide (“Librium”)

• Clobazam (“Frisium”)

• Diazepam (“Valium”)

• Lorazepam (“Ativan”)

• Nitrazepam (“Nitrazadon”)

• Oxazepam (“Serax” or “Zapex”)

• Temazepam (“Restoril”)

• Zolpidem (“Ambien”)

 

Often people start taking these medications on an as needed basis -AKA PRN.

Over time, people often start taking them more and more and unfortunately start taking them regularly every day or night.

This is because these medications can cause *** ADDICTION and DEPENDENCE ***.

For people who take these medications to help sleep, they start to forget how to sleep naturally on their own.

These medications are also not recommended for long term treatment of anxiety. 

 

These medications can cause harm.

• 5 times greater risk of memory or concentration problems 

• 4 times great risk of daytime fatigue or tiredness

• 2 times great risk of falls and bone fractures (hip & wrist)

• 2 times great risk of having a motor vehicle accident

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As you get older, the risks and side effects of all of these medications increase. Here is  more information for OLDER PATIENTS.

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