Search Results: benzodiazepines (73)

[…] same type of prolonged drowsiness among patients taking Lunesta (eszopiclone) and Sonata (zaleplon)? A: Yes, this can be true for many hypnotics (prescription insomnia medications that include benzodiazepines such as Valium and non-benzodiazepines such as Ambien) It depends on their half-life and also how quickly a person can metabolize them. The medications with a […]

Or Z-drug patients — Lunesta, Ambien or Sonata too; Originally published in Benzodiazepines Fundamentals Note: This article was written for doctors. We believe that patients need this information to ensure their own well-being and to better advocate for themselves. It has been edited and shortened. The original article is in the link above. -eds. […]

[…] it comes to recognizing adverse reactions and tapering medications. It’s something that is simply lacking in our medical training. I have become a victim of this with benzodiazepines, as I detailed in a prior blog post. Benzodiazepines, in particular, are very difficult drugs to taper. I would like to share with you some of […]

Although tranquilizer drugs known as benzodiazepines are only meant for short-term use, about one-third of older adults who get a prescription for them end up continuing on them for the long term. Researchers interviewed 576 older adults that were newly prescribed a benzodiazepine. Common benzodiazepines are Valium (diazepam), Xanax (alprazolam) and Klonopin (clonazepam). Participants […]

The number of prescriptions for benzodiazepines, a class of tranquilizing drugs, has increased dramatically, and benzodiazepine-related overdose deaths have increased as well. The drugs can also raise the risks of falls, fractures and cognitive impairment, especially in seniors. Researchers looked at data on more than 386,000 doctor visits from 2003 through 2015. Over that […]

Quick Hits: Benzodiazepines and another class of drugs used for sleep are associated with a modestly elevated risk of developing Alzheimer’s disease. Researchers in Finland looked at data on more than 350,000 people. Of that number, about 20% had confirmed cases of Alzheimer’s. An analysis found that those who were taking either a benzodiazepine […]

If you suffer from anxiety, panic disorder, or insomnia, your doctor may have prescribed you what’s known as benzodiazepines (or benzos). This class of drugs contains popular brands such as Xanax (alprazolam), Valium (diazepam), Ativan (lorazepam), and Klonopin (clonazepam). They essentially act as a tranquilizer, relaxing, and sedating the user.  Benzos are some of […]

[…] Valium (diazepam) and Ativan (lorazepam), along with an opioid had a higher incidence of lung disease, osteoporosis and hip fracture in the past. They added that using benzodiazepines, which are often prescribed to seniors as sleep aids, while also taking an opioid can boost the risk for pneumonia, fractures and drug misuse. Researchers based […]

[…] Additionally, results found that the toxicity of the chemotherapy can be reduced through moderate activity. Posted March 10, 2017. Via Goethe University Frankfurt. Taking opioid painkillers and benzodiazepines concurrently is linked to a greater risk of opioid overdose. Approximately 30% of fatal opioid overdoses in the US involve an opioid and benzodiazepine combination. Researchers […]

[…] Posted October 9, 2017. Via Clinical Infectious Diseases. Quick Hits: The opioid addiction medicines buprenorphine and methadone can be given to patients that take tranquilizers such as benzodiazepines and other drugs that impact the central nervous system (CNS), according to an FDA review. Although the agency says that combining the use of drugs containing […]