Others are used to help people who are dependent on alcohol and trying to stop. Some benzodiazepines are occasionally used to treat muscle spasm and certain types of epilepsy as they can prevent fits (seizures). This means that you do not remember much about the procedure afterwards. The medicine not only reduces anxiety but also has an amnesic effect. A large dose is commonly given as a sedative during medical procedures that may cause anxiety or discomfort. Other uses of benzodiazepinesĪ dose of benzodiazepines is often given as a 'pre-med' to reduce anxiety before an operation. See also the separate leaflet called Insomnia (Poor Sleep). However, there are other ways of helping to get a good night's sleep. Benzodiazepines and Z drugs as sleeping tabletsĪ short course of a benzodiazepine or a Z drug may be prescribed if a medicine is felt necessary to help with sleeping difficulty (treatment for insomnia). However, if symptoms become very severe, you may occasionally be advised to take a benzodiazepine medicine for a short time.

Simply talking things over with a friend, counsellor, or with members of a self-help group may also help. Treatments for anxiety include: relaxation exercises, anxiety management courses and cognitive therapy and behavioural therapy.

Although most people will feel anxious at some time, sometimes the symptoms become prolonged and distressing. Sometimes anxiety can be one of the symptoms of depression. Some people have an anxious personality and feel anxious fairly often. Sometimes it is a sudden life crisis such as a bereavement or redundancy. Symptoms of anxiety include: agitation, tension, irritability, the sensation of having a 'thumping heart' (palpitations), shakiness, sweating, excess worry, sleeping badly, poor concentration, fast breathing and sometimes a knotted feeling in the stomach and other muscles. What are benzodiazepines and Z drugs used for? Benzodiazepines for anxiety

Info z