(In Canada) Alti-Alprazolam, Alti-Bromazepam, Alti-Clonazepam, Alti-Triazolam, Apo-Alpraz, Apo-Chlordiazepoxide, Apo-Clonazepam, Apo-Clorazepate, Apo-Diazepam, Apo-Flurazepam, Apo-Lorazepam, Apo-Oxazepam, Apo-Temazepam, Apo-Triazo, Ativan, Clonapam, Dalmane, Diazemuls, Frisium, Gen-Alprazolam, Gen-Gromazepam, Gen-Clonazepam, Gen-Triazolam, Halcion, Lectopam, Mogadon, Novo-Alprazol, Novo-Clopate, Novo-Dipam, Novo-Flupam, Novo-Lorazem, Novo-Poxide, Novo-Temazepam, Novo-Triolam, Novoxapam, Nu-Alpraz, Nu-Loraz, PMS-Clonazepam, PMS-Diazepam, Restoril, Rivotirl, Serax, Somnol, Tranxene, Valium, Vivol, Xanax, Xanax TS.

Description:
Benzodiazepines belong to the group of medicines called central nervous system (CNS) depressants (medicines that slow down the nervous system).

Some benzodiazepines are used to relieve anxiety. However, benzodiazepines should not be used to relieve nervousness or tension caused by the stress of everyday life.

Some benzodiazepines are used to treat insomnia (trouble in sleeping). However, if used regularly (for example every day) for insomnia, they usually are not effective for more than a few weeks.

Many of the benzodiazepines are used in the treatment of other conditions, also. Diazepam is used to help relax muscles or relieve muscle spasm. Diazepam injection is used before some medical procedures to relieve anxiety and to reduce memory of the procedure. Chlordiazepoxide, cloazepate, diazepam and oxazepam are used to treat the symptoms of alcohol withdrawal Alprazolam and clonazepam are used in the treatment of panic disorder. Clobazam, clonazepam, clorazepate, diazepam, and lorazepam are used in the treatment of certain convulsive disorders, such as epilepsy. The benzodiazepines may also be used for other conditions as determined by your doctor.

Benzodiazepines may be habit-forming (causing mental or physical dependence), especially when taken for a long time or in high doses.

Precautions:
If you will be taking a benzodiazepine regularly for a long time, your doctor should check your progress at regular visits. Check with your doctor to see if you need to continue taking this medicine.

If you are taking benzodiazepine for epilepsy or another seizure disorder, your doctor may want you to carry an identification card or bracelet stating you are taking this medicine.

If you are taking a benzodiazepine for insominia and you think you will be using it for more than 7 to 10 days, be sure to discuss it with your doctor. You may have difficulty sleeping for the first few nights after you stop taking this medicine.

Benzodiazipines may be habit forming, especially when taken for a long time or in high doses. Some signs of dependence include a strong desire or need to continue this medicine, a need to increase the dose to receive the effects of the medicine, withdrawal effects may occur after the medicine is stopped.

If you think you may have become mentally or physically dependent on this medicine, check with your doctor.

This medicine will add to the effects of alcohol and other central nervous system (CNS) depressants. Some examples of CNS depressants are antihistamines or medicine for hay fever, other allergies, or colds; pain medicine or narcotics; barbiturates; medicine for seizures; muscle relaxants; or anesthetics, including some dental anesthetics. Check with your doctor before taking any of the above while you are taking this medicine.

If you think you or someone else may have taken an overdose of this medicine, get emergency help at once. Taking an overdose may lead to unconsciousness and possibly death. Some signs of an overdose include continuing slurred speech or confusion, severe drowsiness, severe weakness, and staggering.

Before you have any medical tests, tell the medical doctor in charge that you are taking this medicine. The results of metyrapone test may be affected by chlordiazepoxide.

This medicine may cause some people, especially older persons, to become drowsy, dizzy, lightheaded, clumsy or unsteady or less alert than normally. If you develop any unusual and strange thoughts or behavior while you are taking this medicine, be sure to discuss this with your doctor.