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Are benzodiazepines effective?
The sedative effects of the benzodiazepines relieve the symptoms of anxiety and promote sleep for most people with few side effects.
Benzodiazepines are only meant to be taken for short periods of time, however, and can become ineffective and induce drug dependency when used for inappropriately long periods of time. Prescribing guidelines for benzodiazepines recommend no longer than 2 to 3 weeks of continuous daily use.
Benzodiazepines and anxiety
People taking benzodiazepines for a number of months or years for anxiety often paradoxically find that the anxiety is worsening. Anxiety is a common withdrawal symptom which will often be experienced as the body becomes dependent on the benzodiazepines.
The withdrawal related anxiety is often mistakenly thought to indicate that the original anxiety problem is still present or even worsening – with the result that the person feels that they need to continue to take benzodiazepines.
Benzodiazepines and sleep
Whilst benzodiazepines can be useful occasionally to induce sleep, they have a limited role in helping people with established sleep problems. The benzodiazepines do not actually address the cause of the insomnia, which is more effectively managed through a range of alternative strategies.
People who have been taking benzodiazepines long term will usually experience acute insomnia as a withdrawal symptom when they try to cut down or stop taking their sleeping tablets. This can frequently be misinterpreted as evidence of a continuing problem with sleep, and the person resumes taking sleeping pills in the mistaken belief that s/he is unable to sleep without them.
(Note: the newer non- benzodiazepine sleeping pills are also recommended for short term use only because of the risk of dependency.)
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