EXPERIENCING ISSUES WITH
Sedative use?
Sedatives are medications commonly prescribed to treat anxiety, insomnia, and other sleep disorders. The most common medications are categorized as benzodiazepines with brand-names that include Xanax, Klonopin, Valium, and Ativan.
Need immediate help?
If you or someone you know is in danger of hurting themselves or someone else — or if there’s any type of health emergency — please call 911 or go to the nearest emergency department.
WHAT TO LOOK FOR
How challenges with sedative use might show up
Compulsive or uncontrolled use of sedatives (which includes benzodiazepines and barbiturates) could develop into a sedative, hypnotic, anxiolytic use disorder.
Individuals can develop a tolerance to these medications and need to take increased doses more often to achieve the same effects. They may also experience withdrawal symptoms when they stop taking the medications.
Withdrawal symptoms may include:
- Anxiety
- Insomnia
- Irritability
- Seizures
- Hallucinations
- Delirium
Need immediate help?
If you or someone you know is in danger of hurting themselves or someone else — or if there’s any type of health emergency — please call 911 or go to the nearest emergency department.
Additional signs and symptoms include using the medication other than how it’s prescribed (meaning to get high) and continuing to use despite negative consequences such as legal problems, job loss, and relationship problems.
If you or a loved one is struggling with sedative use, abruptly stopping use can be dangerous and lead to withdrawal symptoms. It’s important to taper off these medications under the supervision of a medical team.
Treatment for sedative, hypnotic, anxiolytic use disorder typically involves a combination of medication and therapy delivered in a residential or outpatient setting.
Frequently asked questions about sedatives
-
Medically monitored detoxification, also known as detox or withdrawal management, is often needed for safely stopping benzodiazepines or sedatives. Withdrawal symptoms such as seizures can be extremely dangerous, and detox is monitored by medical professionals who can provide support and monitoring as use of these medications is tapered.
-
Benzos (benzodiazepines) are a type of sedative, but not all sedatives are benzos. Sedatives generally can help people become calmer, relax, and become sleepy/drowsy. Benzos also promote relaxation and sleep.