What are the benefits of benzodiazepine?
The authors found that benzodiazepines have demonstrated efficacy in generalized anxiety disorder, panic disorder, and agoraphobia; they are promising agents in the treatment of social phobia and alcohol-induced anxiety disorders. They are generally well tolerated.
What are the long-term effects of taking benzodiazepines?
Mental and physical health. The long-term use of benzodiazepines may have a similar effect on the brain as alcohol, and is also implicated in depression, anxiety, post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), mania, psychosis, sleep disorders, sexual dysfunction, delirium, and neurocognitive disorders.
Which of the following is the primary reason benzodiazepines should be taken on a short term basis?
Short-term use of benzodiazepines is justified in patients with severe symptomatic distress and/or impairment of ability to cope. Long-term use is only justified in patients with chronic severe anxiety in which the symptomatic relief and improved functioning outweigh the risk of dependence.
What are the risks of benzodiazepines?
In addition to abuse and dependence, other major risks associated with benzodiazepine use include the following:
- Cognitive impairment. Benzodiazepines cause acute adverse effects: drowsiness, increased reaction time, ataxia, motor incoordination, and anterograde amnesia.
- Motor vehicle crashes.
- Hip fracture.
Why are benzodiazepines safer than barbiturates?
Benzodiazepines and the newer non-benzodiazepine hypnotics are now preferred over barbiturates for most of these clinical uses because they have a wider therapeutic index, tolerance develops more slowly, and their liability for abuse is lower than that of the barbiturates.
How quickly does benzo tolerance develop?
Tolerance develops within days or weeks to the anticonvulsant, hypnotic, muscle relaxant and after 4 months there is little evidence that benzodiazepines retain their anxiolytic properties. Some authors, however, disagree and feel that benzodiazepines retain their anxiolytic properties.
What contra indications are associated with benzodiazepines?
Contraindications. Because of their muscle relaxant action, benzodiazepines may cause respiratory depression in susceptible individuals. For that reason, they are contraindicated in people with myasthenia gravis, sleep apnea, bronchitis, and COPD.
What would the nurse assess for when benzodiazepines are abruptly stopped?
A wide range of withdrawal symptoms can occur when stopping benzodiazepines. They include: anxiety and panic. agitation and restlessness.