Benzodiazepines
What Are Benzodiazepines?
Benzodiazepines are depressant drugs that are commonly prescribed to treat anxiety, insomnia, panic attacks, and other nervous system disorders. They work by enhancing the neurotransmitter GABA, which slows down the messages in the nervous system. The slower messages provide calmer and more relaxed feelings; it’s these feelings that sometimes lead to abuse. The most common benzodiazepines are Xanax, Klonopin, Valium, Ativan, and Ambien.
Benzodiazepines are depressant drugs that are commonly prescribed to treat anxiety, insomnia, panic attacks, and other nervous system disorders. They work by enhancing the neurotransmitter GABA, which slows down the messages in the nervous system. The slower messages provide calmer and more relaxed feelings; it’s these feelings that sometimes lead to abuse. The most common benzodiazepines are Xanax, Klonopin, Valium, Ativan, and Ambien.
When abruptly discontinued, these highly addictive medications may lead to increased blood pressure and heart rate, seizures, psychosis, and death.