Benzodiazepines are a class of psychoactive drugs with a wide range of therapeutic effects. These drugs work on the central nervous system and provide anxiolytic, hypnotic, muscle relaxant, anticonvulsant and amnesic actions. According to the U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration, 15 benzodiazepines were being marketed in the United States, as of 2010. The popularity of this class of drugs is not just due to its wide therapeutic range, but also because they offer a rapid onset of action, high efficacy and low toxicity.
Anxiety
Benzodiazepines are often prescribed as a short-term treatment of anxiety due to its rapid onset of action, high efficacy and low toxicity; it is generally regarded as safer than other anti-anxiety drugs. Benzodiazepines are indicated to relieve episodic anxiety or acute stress reaction, such as dental visits, airline travel, accidents or disasters. Generalized anxiety disorder (GAD) is treated with benzodiazepines, but guidelines recommend short-term treatment lasting no more than two to four weeks. Panic disorders and phobias are sometimes treated with high doses of benzodiazepines, but high dosage and recommendations against their long-term use do not make them the ideal therapy for these conditions.
Hypnotic
Benzodiazepines can be valuable for the short-term treatment of insomnia. Short or moderate duration benzodiazepines are ideal for treating insomnia lasting a few days while short-term insomnia lasting one to two weeks is treated with low-dose benzodiazepines. Benzodiazepines as a treatment for insomnia should not exceed two weeks, according to "The Ashton Manual," by Heather Ashton, M.D.
Anticonvulsant
Benzodiazepines are central nervous system depressants acting on the neurotransmitter GABA, thus making them valuable in the treatment of seizures disorders. Fast-acting benzodiazepines are the first choice for the treatment of status epilepticus, a serious and life-threatening continuous seizure lasting 30 minutes or longer. Benzodiazepines are also prescribed in alcohol treatment centers to prevent withdrawal seizures during detoxification.
Anesthesia
Benzodiazepines have proven useful in anesthesia due to their sedative and amnesic effects. Benzodiazepines can be combined with local anesthetic for surgical procedures or administered intravenously for anesthesia induction.
Motor Disorders
Benzodiazepines have muscle-relaxant properties, thus making them effective for the treatment of motor disorders. With their rapid onset of action, benzodiazepines are prescribed as treatment for dystonias, myoclonus, akathisia and restless leg syndrome. However, tolerance and dependence do pose a risk with long-term use.
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