Benzodiazepine is a common drug for treating anxiety (1), depression, and sleep disorders. This drug is typically used in the relief of depression associated with bipolar disorder and anxiety that accompanies it. This medication is also used frequently in the treatment of a host of other conditions as well.
Which benzodiazepine is best for anxiety? The answer will ultimately depend on your individual needs. While this class of drugs may be effective at combating anxieties, they all have different effects. Which one you end up taking will largely depend on which symptoms you are trying to combat. If your doctor feels that you are physically dependent on the benzodiazepine, then he may prescribe antidepressants or anti-anxiety medications instead (2).
Some Antidepressants for Anxiety
Antidepressants like Tofranil (toluene), Anafranil (clomipramine), and Norpramin (nortriptyline are examples of benzodiazepines that are often prescribed to treat anxiety). While these drugs can have an instant calming effect on the patient, they can also be habit-forming and thus they are only prescribed regularly for a short period of time. Antipsychotic medications like Klonopin (Clomipramine) and Risperdal (Risperdal) are other examples of benzodiazepines, which are often used to treat anxiety. These benzodiazepines are widely considered habit forming, and thus they are only prescribed on a short-term basis to combat anxiety symptoms. They can also cause sedation as a side effect, which some patients find uncomfortable.
There are two other types of benzodiazepines that are used for anxiety treatment. Of these, Cybenzone and Valproate have fewer side effects than the other benzodiazepines previously mentioned. However, both have been found to be effective in treating some patients. The lessened sedation effect of these benzodiazepines allows them to be used more frequently. For this reason, they tend to be used by more people.
Benzodiazepines for Panic Attack.
Other benzodiazepines are used to prevent panic attacks from occurring in the first place. Which benzodiazepine is best for panic attacks? Again, it really depends on the particular patient. In general, people who suffer from generalized anxiety disorder will find that one type of therapy will be more effective than another. Doctors usually try several different therapies in order to find the most effective one for a particular patient.
How long does it take before any effects begin to be felt?
These vary greatly among patients. Some will notice their symptoms diminish after only one night of taking the benzodiazepine. Others may take as many as four or five nights and still feel relatively normal. The length of the effect will depend on the specific type of benzodiazepine taken, as well as age, health, and how often the drug is taken. Common side effects of long-term use include confusion, drowsiness, slurred speech, impaired coordination, depression, hypotension, increased heart rate, and respiratory arrest (3).
When you think about which benzodiazepine is best for anxiety, most doctors will only prescribe these if other forms of therapy have failed. They are an extremely powerful form of treatment and should only be administered under careful medical supervision in patients with serious anxiety disorders.
Who Should Avoid Benzodiazepines
However, there are some patients who should never take this type of medication. These include those with kidney or liver disease or any kind of chronic liver condition. Also, patients who have a history of allergies to benzodiazepines should avoid them. In addition, people taking medications to lower their blood pressure must avoid taking these pills, as high blood pressure can increase feelings of anxiety.
Which benzodiazepine is best for anxiety?
This again will depend on the patient, but there are several types that can help ease anxiety symptoms. Ativan, Xanax, and Klonopin are common benzodiazepines and work in a different way than the others. They all work by slowing down the central nervous system, but they differ because they each also slow down the body’s metabolism, which can have different side effects in the long run.
Xanax is most often prescribed for anxiety disorders, and it is one of the most well-known. It works by calming the nerve receptors in the brain and by relieving muscle tension. Like Ativan, it can also cause dizziness, so care must be taken when taking it. Ativan, however, is not as efficient if taken over a long period of time. It can also cause a dry mouth, nausea, and upset stomach. Xanax also has the least amount of side effects, so it is a great choice for those who like to take things lightly.
Klonopin is taken to relieve anxiety and slow down the nervous system. It is less effective at stopping anxiety than Ativan, but it does not have as many side effects. Side effects include confusion, slurred speech, decreased taste, and memory loss. It is recommended to only take this drug on doctor’s orders. It is not recommended for routine dosages, but because it is very potent, it can be habit-forming.
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