Any idea what this is for and what it is used for?

What information I find online only further confuses me.

The benzodiazepine family of depressants is used therapeutically to produce sedation, induce sleep, relieve anxiety and muscle spasms, and to prevent seizures. In general, benzodiazepines act as hypnotics in high doses, anxiolytics in moderate doses, and sedatives in low doses. Of the drugs marketed in the United States that affect central nervous system function, benzodiazepines are among the most widely prescribed medications. Fifteen members of this group are presently marketed in the United States, and about 20 additional benzodiazepines are marketed in other countries. Benzodiazepines are controlled in Schedule IV of the CSA.

Short-acting benzodiazepines are generally used for patients with sleep-onset insomnia (difficulty falling asleep) without daytime anxiety. Shorter-acting benzodiazepines used to manage insomnia include estazolam (ProSom®), flurazepam (Dalmane®), temazepam (Restoril®), and triazolam (Halcion®). Midazolam (Versed®), a short-acting benzodiazepine, is utilized for sedation, anxiety, and amnesia in critical care settings and prior to anesthesia. It is available in the United States as an injectable preparation and as a syrup (primarily for pediatric patients).

Benzodiazepines with a longer duration of action are utilized to treat insomnia in patients with daytime anxiety. These benzodiazepines include alprazolam (Xanax®), chlordiazepoxide (librium®), clorazepate (Tranxene®), diazepam (Valium®, halazepam (Paxipam®), lorzepam (Ativan®), oxazepam (Serax®), prazepam (Centrax®), and quazepam (Doral®). Clonazepam (Klonopin®), diazepam, and clorazepate are also used as anticonvulsants.

Hiya doll.

Benzos are band-aids for bullet wounds or masks for poor coping skills. Very rarely they are effectively used in very stressful situations, such as the death of a close friend or relative, or to manage severe and chronic conditions such as Bipolar mania or the beginning treatment stages of severe OCD.

Benzos include: Valium, Xanax, and Klonopin, to name the most popular. Valiums are not commonly prescribed, given they have a very long half life. Klonopins are the shortest half life and the risk of dependency is lower. Addiction is swift and can lead to seizures if withdrawal occurs without proper titration.

Used properly, benzos can be quite useful.

Temezapam is what I take to sleep. Ambien and Lunesta dont work on me. It works really well but builds up a tolerance quickly so I have to not take it about every fifth night

Would Benzo's be used to detox a person from an addiction? Addiction to what? just looking for answers

I haven't heard of that. When I started taking Temezapam I googled it so I would know how much is too much and stuff like that. I didnt come across anything that said they were used for detoxing although I suppose if a person were having intense withdrawals they might sedate them out of some of the worst of it

Sure, benzos can be used to help a person detox, and as Robin said, also used for sleep. But, as I'm sure Robin is aware, this is usually only for insomniacs and once you start this as a sleep aid it stays that way for a long time. If it is effective for him (and others), better to have a good night's sleep than anything though, including a dependency to a benzo. My mom takes a speed drug for her depression and anxiety, and she knows she will be on it asa maintainance drug and that it is most likely permanent.

They can be used to detox a person from just about anything, as they are most effective for short term use. The person must be closely monitored in that situation though, and it's my understanding that benzos are only employed in this situation during the immediate detox period, no longer than about five days.

I've also heard of using Neurontin during detox, but that is dependency forming as well.

yeah my doctor told me to be careful cause they are habit forming. And I told him at this point a dependency on sleeping pills is the least of my worries. without em I might sleep two hours cumulative through a night

I havent noticed too much problem with dependency. Sometimes I run out before the refill date and it doesnt freak me out. I just have to go a couple nights with no sleep

Robin, my mom feels the same way about her dexedrine!

I'm sure you actually take yours as prescribed, as as most of the site knows, you're far from the average bear....

I do know of a girl I went to high school with who OD's on Xanax in Dallas last year (total surprise, she was a cheerleader type and wasnt a druggie in high school) so I surmise that it's a dangerous drug



yeah I googled it for dosages and contraindications and all that. So I know if I have to double up on em or something how much is too much. just in case

They are very helpful in treating people with severe anxiety and panic - anxiety that is not alleviated by traditional anxiolitics or antidepressants. Sometimes, they are used in combination with one or more of those, in a form of a "cocktail", if you will. Benzos are highly addictive - in people prone to chemical addiction. However, in an individual with very severe anxiety that is difficult to alleviate, that paralyzes and diminishes their quality of life, many doctors feel it is worth it to prescribe benzodiazepines.

Benzos generally should never be prescribed to people with substance abuse/dependence histories or vulnerability to same. Also, it is highly likely to be fatal to mix benzos with any form of alcohol. It has happened to a couple of people I have treated.

duplicate posting

Benzos are depressants which will most likely knock out a person (induce sleep) or ease their current addiction (if any).

Are they used for particular addictions, ie, alcohol, drugs, pres drugs? or are they used for any and all addictions, when used as a means of detox?

I'm going to have to say all of them, hon. Sorry.

Thank you all very enlightening.

ohhh....... Bennies

I remember them well...

Thanks. I forgot to mention this.

Yes, many people take them and many GPs prescribe them as "band aids". I don't agree with their use in those circumstances, because they become very addictive in too short a span of time; and, often, they do not treat the underlying causes of the anxiety or depression, which antidepressants, anxiolitics, and traditional talk therapies would benefit.

As you mentioned above, in certain specific circumstances, and for certain types of chronic, severe panic, phobias, and anxiety, they can be quite useful. Best bet is for a person to talk to their psychiatrist about their psychiatric history and symptoms to determine what psychotropic medication might be best for them.

another duplicate post! Submit button is very sensitive this morning.

Yes, I believe they are used in some settings to detox from opiates and/or crack/cocaine - but I could be wrong on that one. Best to do a google search....