subject: Benzodiazepines Can Worsen Anxiety Symptoms [print this page] Westlake Village, CA JanWestlake Village, CA Jan. 2011 Benzodiazepines are a class of medications most often prescribed to anxiety sufferers. This treatment is considered effective in managing anxiety because it enhances the effects of the naturally produced neurotransmitter gamma-Amino butyric acid, or GABA. GABA operates as the most important inhibitory chemical in the body, thereby regulating the excitability of neurons in the human nervous system. Benzodiazepines, known as "benzos" (also abbreviated BZD in some references), were designed to target this neurotransmitter and cause it to become more effective in calming and preventing anxiety symptoms.
Recent reports have shown that the use of benzos can actually cause anxiety to become worse in many situations. Health associations around the world recommend that drugs that fall under this group, such as Ativan, Klonopin, Xanax and Valium be limited to a usage span of 2-4 weeks to bring anxiety levels under control, but many are prescribed benzos for years. Long term use is considered greater than 2-4 weeks, and can bring issues of tolerance, where more of the drug is required to calm the nervous system, along with rebound anxiety, insomnia, weakness and cognitive decline.
Although benzodiazepines can directly cause anxiety to worsen immediately after beginning usage or after the recommended short-term span, there are other side effects that can in turn have an indirect effect on anxiety levels. These drugs also have been known to cause anterograde or retrograde amnesia as well as elevated levels of drowsiness and dizziness. The inability to think clearly or function normally during daily, commonplace activities can be of great concern to patients who were looking to improve their quality of life, rather than forget that they performed certain basic functions or be completely unable to complete their usual tasks. Visit Benzodiazepines Can Worsen Anxiety Symptoms.
For information on how to safely reduce usage of benzodiazepines, contact www.pointofreturn.org.
