Benzodiazepines (also known as “benzos“) are a type of medication that some people take for sleep, anxiety, or relaxation.
Here are the names of some commonly prescribed benzodiazepines, or similar types of medications:
- Alprazolam (“Xanax”)
- Chlordiazepoxide (“Librium”)
- Clobazam (“Frisium”)
- Diazepam (“Valium”)
- Lorazepam (“Ativan”)
- Nitrazepam (“Nitrazadon”)
- Oxazepam (“Serax” or “Zapex”)
- Temazepam (“Restoril”)
- Triazolam (“Halcion”)
- Zopiclone (“Imovane”)
- Zolpidem (“Ambien”)
Often people start taking these medications on an “as needed” basis. However, over time, people often start taking them more and more and unfortunately start taking them regularly every day or night. This is because these medications can cause ADDICTION and DEPENDENCE.
For people who take these medications to help sleep, they start to forget how to sleep naturally on their own.
These medications are also not recommended for long term treatment of anxiety. Click here for even more information.
THESE MEDICATIONS CAUSE HARM:
- 5 times greater risk of memory or concentration problems!
- 4 times great risk of daytime fatigue or tiredness!
- 2 times great risk of falls and bone fractures (hip & wrist)!
- 2 times great risk of having a motor vehicle accident!
As you get older, the risks and side effects of all of these medications increase. Here is more information for OLDER PATIENTS.
RISK OF ALZHEIMER’S DISEASE:
Studies show that use of benzodiazepines is associated with greater risk of developing Alzheimer’s Disease:
FOR ALL OF THESE REASON’S, DR. STEWART DOES NOT RECOMMEND THESE MEDICATIONS FOR LONG-TERM, EVERY DAY USE.
In fact, Dr. Stewart suggests avoiding these medications all together.
There are always better options than these medications. For trouble sleeping, check out Dr. Stewart’s advice for sleep and insomnia.