Understanding Benzodiazepines and How They Work

They may also be used along with anesthesia during surgery.

Benzodiazepines work by targeting and binding to thegamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA)neurotransmitter in the brain.

This slows the central nervous system (CNS), resulting in a calming, sedating effect.

Packets of Xanax tablets in display

Getty Images /Niall Carson - PA Images/ Contributor

Getty Images /Niall Carson - PA Images/ Contributor

What Are Benzodiazepines Used For?

Approved indications for benzodiazepine use in adults include:

Benzodiazepines also have a fair number of off-label uses.

Examples of these uses with benzodiazepines include:

This receptor is a protein called gamma-aminobutyric acid throw in A (GABA-A) receptor.

Benzodiazepine drug molecules mimic the naturally occurringneurotransmitterGABAand bind to this receptor.

This allows chloride ions to enter the neuron cells, which results in CNS depression.

Outward signs of this include calmness, sleepiness, or drowsiness.

How quickly benzodiazepines begin to work depends on which specific drug youre taking and how youre taking it.

Taken orally, most benzodiazepines are well absorbed.

This is what causes the effects of CNS depression, like sleepiness and calmness.

This also affects their most common uses.

Side effects of benzodiazepines are somewhat common.

For this reason, it’s important to take them exactly as instructed by a healthcare provider.

Nevertheless, they’re still occasionally prescribed to this population.

This includes:

Disadvantages

Benzodiazepines have both advantages and disadvantages to their use.

While effective, they can come with potentially serious side effects and require some precautions when taking them.

While effective for these purposes, benzodiazepines come with several important risks to consider.

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