What are some risks of anti-anxiety medications?

Anti-anxiety medications can be very effective if closely monitored by a doctor for short doses; but if abused or taken too long, there can be long-term risks. Watch psychiatrist Sue Varma, MD, explain these risks, especially becoming dependent.

Transcript

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We can see people overdosing. People often mix it with alcohol or other substances to get euphoria, to get extreme relaxation.

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And mixing benzodiazepines with other medications, specifically alcohol, can be extremely dangerous, and overdoses can lead to death.

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00:21

When we're talking about benzodiazepines, they're extremely effective if closely monitored, prescribed by a mental health professional for short doses,

00:30

discrete episodes. However, when you are not being monitored by a mental health professional and you might be taking more than the intended

00:37

doses, some of the risk is that some people start taking it on a daily basis or more regular basis for coping, just for being stressed out,

00:45

as opposed to having a discrete episode, in which case you want to have a conversation with your doctor and wonder whether, really, benzos are the best

00:53

treatment for you, or do you want to be on a more daily medication. Benzodiazepines, although extremely effective for certain types of situational anxiety

01:02

for short-term, over the long-term, can cause serious medical complications, including symptoms of withdrawal, which a person becomes

01:11

panicky, extreme anxious, palpitations, and in severe cases, even seizures, coma, and death.

01:19

We can see people overdosing. People often mix it with alcohol or other substances to get euphoria, to get extreme relaxation.

01:27

And mixing benzodiazepines with other medications, specifically alcohol, can be extremely dangerous, and overdoses can lead to death.

01:34

We also find that it's highly addictive for some people. So if you already have a history of substance abuse either personally in your family,

01:41

or if you have a personal history of mental health issues and you're taking it, there is a risk of dependence, which can be very dangerous.