Organized Chaos - Volume 3
Benzodiazepines
by S. Evelyn Stewart, M.D. & Daniel Geller, M.D.
Benzodiazepines are used together with other medication to treat Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder. They may be used alone, and are generally used only to decrease anxiety temporarily rather than treating the cause of the illness. They start to work quicker (minutes to hours) than medications such as SSRI's (weeks to months). The effect goes away quicker. They are usually taken a few times daily to maximize their impact.
Benzodiazepines are used in many anxiety disorders. They temporarily relieve anxiety, and some of them also help with sleep. There are over 10 types of benzodiazepines available in the United States. Those commonly used for OCD include: Clonazepam (Klonopin), Lorazepam (Ativan) and Diazepam (Valium). In general, these medications are very safe and have few side-effects, when taken as prescribed.
Benzodiazepines have been shown to work in OCD affecting children and adults. They work on parts of the body outside the brain, that causes side-effects. These medications sometimes cause drowsiness, difficulty thinking (cognitive dulling), clumsiness, lightheadedness and stomach upset. Rarely, do they cause an effect opposite to their normal calming effect, making people aggressive or agitated. You should discuss any side-effects you have with your clinician.
Also, benzodiazepines can interact with other substances. They should never be mixed with alcohol. This can lead to breathing problems. Also, they can interact with certain antibiotics. When taken in a large overdose, they are dangerous and may lead to death.
These medications have a quality called "tolerance," meaning that some side-effects such as sedation may go away and the body adjusts and gets used to receiving benzodiazepines after awhile. If you suddenly stop these medications, you can go into withdrawal and experience effects they are increased anxiety, difficulty sleeping, shakiness, and sweatiness. Rarely, withdrawal can causes seizures.
When taken as prescribed, these medications are safe and effective. You must tell your clinician if you have taken more or less than prescribed.
