Handouts · Medications
Benzodiazepines
Includes lorazepam, clonazepam, alprazolam, and diazepam. Fast, effective for anxiety and panic — best used short-term and carefully.
What This Group Is
Benzodiazepines calm the nervous system quickly, easing anxiety, panic, and insomnia, and are used in alcohol withdrawal and seizures.
They work fast but the body can become dependent, so they are usually used at the lowest dose for the shortest time.
How to Take It
Take exactly as prescribed — do not take extra doses. Take with or without food.
Because they cause drowsiness and slow reactions, don’t drive until you know how they affect you.
Black Box Warnings
- Combining with opioids (or other sedatives) can cause dangerous slowed breathing, deep sedation, coma, or death.
- Risk of misuse, dependence, and withdrawal even when taken as prescribed. Stopping suddenly can be dangerous.
Common (Usually Mild) Side Effects
- Drowsiness and dizziness.
- Unsteadiness — higher fall risk, especially in older adults.
- Memory or concentration problems.
- Feeling “flat” or slowed.
Serious — Call Us or Seek Care
- Very slow or shallow breathing / extreme drowsiness — especially if mixed with alcohol or opioids.
- Withdrawal from stopping suddenly: rebound anxiety, tremor, sweating, and, rarely, seizures.
- Falls or confusion (older adults).
Alcohol
Do not drink alcohol with benzodiazepines — the combination dangerously slows breathing and can be fatal.
Monitoring & Stopping Safely
No blood tests are needed, but we’ll review how it’s working and check for tolerance or misuse.
Never stop abruptly after regular use — we’ll use a gradual taper to keep you safe and comfortable.