Apanemia Health Centre

Anxiolytics have a sedative effect and are used as tranquilizers or sleep aids. The most used are the benzodiazepines, among which are diazepam, buspirone, ketazolam, lorazepam, midazolam and alprazolam. Prescription.

Side effects. Many more are caused by the action of these drugs, which decreases the activity of the nervous system.

- Drowsiness. Excessive sleepiness.
- Weakness. Lack of strength.
- Muscle fatigue. Feel tired without having physical effort.
- Confusion. Lack of clarity in thinking.
- Headache.
- Dry mouth. Lack of production of saliva.
- Constipation. Constipation, generated by low neuronal activity, which triggers lower bowel motility.
- Anorexia. Loss of appetite, not to be confused with the syndrome that results when a person has extreme fear of obesity and stops feeding.
- Dizziness. Dizziness and occasional loss of balance.
- Ataxia. Numbness, loss of movement coordination, fine tremor of fingers.
- Blurred vision. Difficulty focusing on objects.
- Addiction. Physical or mental dependence on the medication (for extended use or high doses).
- Withdrawal syndrome. Nervousness, anxiety and despair, as a consequence of drug dependence.

Contraindications

- Pregnancy and lactation. These may affect the fetus or child is breastfed.
- History of drug or alcohol dependence. Risk of developing dependence to these drugs.
- Myasthenia gravis. Disease characterized by progressive muscle weakness generate, because of side effects, benzodiazepines can affect the patient.
- Respiratory failure. Shortness of breath. By generating weakness, these drugs may worsen the situation.
- Apnea. This is the temporary cessation of breathing during sleep (snoring). Since anxiolytic relax, further relaxation of the neck muscles can cause choking during sleep.
- Liver disease. The drugs are processed by the liver, and this work represents a great effort to this body. Therefore, in conditions such as hepatitis (liver inflammation) or failure (inability of the body to perform its functions) is discouraged their use.
- Renal failure. The drugs are excreted through urine, which filters the kidney. When the body does not function properly, it is best not to use benzodiazepines or remain under the supervision of the specialist.

credit to: Israel Cortes