4.4.6 Other mood medications
Description
This article is from the Bipolar Disorder FAQ, by barry@webveranda.com (Barry Campbell) with numerous contributions by others.
4.4.6 Other mood medications
1) benzodiazepines or "minor tranquilizers"
These drugs are used to treat anxiety and panic attacks,
or as sleeping pills.
Common benzos are: Valium (diazepam), Ativan (lorazepam),
ProSom (estazolam), Restoril (temazepam), Klonopin (clonazepam).
Side-effects are drowsiness and nausea (rare)
The main problem with these drugs is that they can be
habit-forming, and people develop rapid tolerance (meaning
they need higher and higher doses to get the same effect).
It can also be difficult to get off a benzodiazepine because
of withdrawal effects. Some doctors won't use these drugs
for this reason, but most people will have no problem if
the use is short-term.
Benzos are much more gentle as sleeping pills than the major
tranquilizers.
Continue to:
My Books
