Benzodiazpines are sedatives that can be addicting. Your physician may prescribe benzodiazpines as part of the treatment for panic disorders and other anxiety difficulties. Benzodiazpines, which includes alprazolam, lorazepam and clonazepam, are CNS (central nervous system) depressants. Benzodiazpines are available as pills, disintegrating pills, extended release pills and as a solution.
Most Common
Benzodiazpines may cause many side effects in patients including some fairly common ones that are serious and may need medical attention. These include uncommon tiredness, memory loss, abnormal bodily weakness, speech rhythm and pattern changes, lack of coordination, trembling, clumsiness, insomnia, discouragement, concentration problems, drowsiness, speaking difficulties, empty feelings, speech slurring, sadness, shakiness, irritability, decreased appetite and walking unsteadily.
Unusual
Drugs categorized as benzodiazpines also may cause other serious side effects that need medical attention. The Mayo Clinic classifies these types of side effects as less common or rare. They can include lack of caring, suicidal thoughts, bodily swelling, excitement in speech, actions or feelings, nightmares, decrease in energy, decrease in body strength, emotionlessness, abdominal pain, burning sensations of the skin, chills, behavioral changes, a cough, confusion and diarrhea. Other such side effects include blurry vision, concentration difficulties, congestion in the ears, bodily motion problems, breathing that is labored or difficult, fever, hyperventilation, pain in the joints, nausea, heartbeats that become irregular, difficulty or pain when urinating, inability to speak, memory loss, inability to control bladder functions, seizures, hallucinations in vision, hearing and physical sensations and falling into an uncommonly deep sleep, among many others.
Non-Serious
You may feel side effects when taking benzodiazpines that are only temporary as you begin to take the medication. With continued use of benzodiazpines, most of these side effects will go away. Report them to a doctor if they do not. They include menstruation changes, decreased weight, lowered appetite, mouth watering, lowered libido or lessened sexual performance, or, conversely, more sexual ability, better performance and more drive. Other non-serious side effects include diplopia or double vision, increases in appetite and weight, cramps, upset stomach, belching, welts, hives, night vision problems. nasal congestion, unusual flow of milk from breasts, breast swelling or soreness in men and women, skin blisters, skin peeling, eye irritation, spinning sensations, color vision changes and relaxed feelings.
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