Benzodiazepines are a class of prescription medications used to treat anxiety and insomnia that became popular in the 1960s as a safer alternative to barbiturates. Benzodiazepines are not used to treat the type of stress, nervousness or tension that a person encounters in everyday life. Some benzodiazepines can relieve anxiety within as little as 30 to 90 minutes. They are also used to reduce anxiety before minor medical or surgical procedures and to provide sedation for these procedures.

All benzodiazepines have similar effects, but differ in how quickly they work, the way they are metabolized, the duration of their actions and their potency.

Although these drugs are highly effective, they are usually prescribed only for short periods of time. This is because some people who take benzodiazepines may become psychologically dependent upon them. Also, they only appear to be beneficial for insomnia when used for brief periods of time. Extended use of benzodiazepines also results in physical dependence.

Common side effects associated with benzodiazepines include marked drowsiness and impaired motor function. In addition, patients taking benzodiazepines usually should not take other central nervous system (CNS) depressants such as:

• Antihistamines
• Cold and hay fever medications
• Sedatives and tranquilizers
• Prescription pain medications
• Barbiturates
• Seizure medications
• Muscle relaxants
• Anesthetics

However, there are occasions when physicians may consider using combinations of benzodiazepines and these other medications. People with alcohol or other drug abuse problems should not use benzodiazepines.