Table of ContentsView AllTable of ContentsPrescribingBefore Taking AnxiolyticsDosingSide EffectsWarnings and Interactions
Table of ContentsView All
View All
Table of Contents
Prescribing
Before Taking Anxiolytics
Dosing
Side Effects
Warnings and Interactions
Anxiolytics are a type of medication primarily used to treat anxiety. They’re commonly referred to as anti-anxiety drugs.Benzodiazepines, colloquially known as benzos, are the most common type of anti-anxiety medication. They are usually prescribed in pill form.
Because they carry a high risk of addiction compared to other anxiety treatments, healthcare providers usually prescribe other treatments first. Other drugs used to treat anxiety include antidepressants,beta-blockers, buspirone, and some anticonvulsants.
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What Are the Different Benzodiazepines?Types of benzodiazepines used to treat anxiety include:Ativan (lorazepam)Doral (quazepam)Halcion (triazolam)Klonopin (clonazepam)Onfi (clobazam)Restoril (temazepam)Valium (diazepam)Xanax (alprazolam)Healthcare providers commonly prescribe anti-anxiety drugs in pill form. Some less widely used variations include:InjectionsNasal spraysRectal gel
What Are the Different Benzodiazepines?
Types of benzodiazepines used to treat anxiety include:Ativan (lorazepam)Doral (quazepam)Halcion (triazolam)Klonopin (clonazepam)Onfi (clobazam)Restoril (temazepam)Valium (diazepam)Xanax (alprazolam)Healthcare providers commonly prescribe anti-anxiety drugs in pill form. Some less widely used variations include:InjectionsNasal spraysRectal gel
Types of benzodiazepines used to treat anxiety include:
Healthcare providers commonly prescribe anti-anxiety drugs in pill form. Some less widely used variations include:
When Are Anxiolytics Prescribed?
Benzodiazepines are primarily used to treatgeneralized anxiety disorder,social anxiety disorder, andpanic disorder.
They aren’t prescribed as long-term preventative drugs, as they can help with short-term anxiety symptoms. They have sedative effects because they work to slow brain activity.
The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) also approves benzodiazepines for the treatment ofinsomniaandseizures.
Healthcare providers sometimes prescribe benzodiazepines for non-approved uses such as:
Some benzodiazepines, like lorazepam, have specific off-label uses, like treatment forchemotherapy-related nausea and vomiting.
In 2020, the FDA announced that they would update warnings on benzodiazepine drugs to include a boxed warning. It’s a prominent warning that will clearly outline the risks of addiction and abuse, along with severe withdrawal reactions to these drugs.
Buspirone vs. Xanax (Alprazolam): Which Is Right For You?
What to Know Before Taking Anxiolytics
Before prescribing anxiolytics for you, your healthcare provider will evaluate your condition. They’ll also review your medical history to determine if the benefits of the medication would outweigh the potential health risks.
You should let your healthcare provider know about any medications you’re taking because these drugs may interact with other medications. Don’t forget to tell them if you’re using any over-the-counter (OTC) medications, herbs, or supplements.
Precautions and Contraindications
It’s important to follow your healthcare provider’s instructions when taking benzodiazepines.
People who take these drugs over a long period may need to take larger doses to reach the same effects. In this case, suddenly stopping the medication can cause withdrawal symptoms.
How to Determine Dosing for Anxiolytics
Your healthcare provider will work with you to find an appropriate dosage. Healthcare providers will typically start you off on a low dose and may slowly increase thedosage to reach a dosethat reduces symptoms.
Here’s an overview of recommended adult dosages for commonly prescribed benzodiazepines:
Note that these doses are according to the manufacturers' recommendations. The prescription from your healthcare provider will have specific dosage information that applies to you. If you’re not sure that you’re taking the correct amount, talk to your practitioner or pharmacist.
Don’t increase your dosage before talking to your healthcare provider.
An overdose can cause symptoms that require emergency attention, including:
If you think you’ve taken more than the recommended dose, call Poison Control (1-800-222-122).
Modifications
Not all benzodiazepines have the same dosage recommendations. Your healthcare provider may need to prescribe a lower dose if you have a health condition that affects the drug’s metabolism (breakdown and action on the body). Older adults often need to take a lower dosage because they don’t metabolize the drugs as quickly.
Tell your healthcare provider if you have kidney disease. If you have a liver condition, your practitioner may need to adjust your dosage, depending on the specific drug you’re taking.
How to Store
These medications should be stored somewhere that isn’t too humid and that’s out of the sun. Storage of these types of drugs may vary depending on the specific brand.
Keep them away from children and pets.
Side Effects of Anxiolytics
Benzodiazepines can have side effects, even when taken at the recommended dose.
Common
Common side effects of anti-anxiety medications include:
Severe
These side effects may warrant a visit to your healthcare provider, especially if they are severe or not going away:
Get emergency help if you’re experiencing:
Warnings and Interactions of Anxiolytics
If you’re taking opioids for another condition, you should avoid taking anti-anxiety drugs. The combination can cause fatal effects.
You should also avoid mixing benzodiazepines with alcohol. Talk to your healthcare provider if you are using marijuana (cannabis).
Do not drive, use machinery, or do anything that requires alertness until you can do it safely. These drugs can also cause serious central nervous system depression that may lead to death.
You’re more likely to become dependent on these drugs if you take them consistently over a period of days or weeks. Even if you’re taking them as directed, talk to your healthcare provider before stopping them cold turkey to avoid serious withdrawal symptoms.
Symptoms of withdrawal include:
Summary
Anxiolytics are anti-anxiety medications in the benzodiazepines class. They can provide rapid-onset benefits to those experiencing anxiety. The drawback is that benzodiazepine drugs often need larger doses to maintain effectiveness over time and might be habit-forming. Benzodiazepines can also be used for reasons other than anxiety, such as seizures, insomnia, and nausea and vomiting related to chemotherapy.
5 SourcesVerywell Health uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read oureditorial processto learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy.Edinoff AN, Nix CA, Hollier J, et al.Benzodiazepines: uses, dangers, and clinical considerations.Neurol Int. 2021;13(4):594-607. doi:10.3390/neurolint13040059Athavale A, Athavale T, Roberts DM.Antiemetic drugs: what to prescribe and when.Aust Prescr. 2020;43(2):49-56. doi:10.18773/austprescr.2020.011Food and Drug Administration.FDA requiring boxed warning updated to improve safe use of benzodiazepine drug class.Johns Hopkins Medicine.Benzodiazepines.Johns Hopkins Medicine.Benzodiazepines.
5 Sources
Verywell Health uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read oureditorial processto learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy.Edinoff AN, Nix CA, Hollier J, et al.Benzodiazepines: uses, dangers, and clinical considerations.Neurol Int. 2021;13(4):594-607. doi:10.3390/neurolint13040059Athavale A, Athavale T, Roberts DM.Antiemetic drugs: what to prescribe and when.Aust Prescr. 2020;43(2):49-56. doi:10.18773/austprescr.2020.011Food and Drug Administration.FDA requiring boxed warning updated to improve safe use of benzodiazepine drug class.Johns Hopkins Medicine.Benzodiazepines.Johns Hopkins Medicine.Benzodiazepines.
Verywell Health uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read oureditorial processto learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy.
Edinoff AN, Nix CA, Hollier J, et al.Benzodiazepines: uses, dangers, and clinical considerations.Neurol Int. 2021;13(4):594-607. doi:10.3390/neurolint13040059Athavale A, Athavale T, Roberts DM.Antiemetic drugs: what to prescribe and when.Aust Prescr. 2020;43(2):49-56. doi:10.18773/austprescr.2020.011Food and Drug Administration.FDA requiring boxed warning updated to improve safe use of benzodiazepine drug class.Johns Hopkins Medicine.Benzodiazepines.Johns Hopkins Medicine.Benzodiazepines.
Edinoff AN, Nix CA, Hollier J, et al.Benzodiazepines: uses, dangers, and clinical considerations.Neurol Int. 2021;13(4):594-607. doi:10.3390/neurolint13040059
Athavale A, Athavale T, Roberts DM.Antiemetic drugs: what to prescribe and when.Aust Prescr. 2020;43(2):49-56. doi:10.18773/austprescr.2020.011
Food and Drug Administration.FDA requiring boxed warning updated to improve safe use of benzodiazepine drug class.
Johns Hopkins Medicine.Benzodiazepines.
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