What You Need to Know About Benzodiazepines Many people struggle with anxiety and how to manage stress in a healthy way. Unfortunately, mental health concerns have worsened for many people since COVID-19 has caused significant disruptions in peoples' lives. While benzodiazepines work well for some people in certain situations, they are not a good fit for many— and for many reasons. In particular, benzodiazepines are only meant for short-term use and are not a good solution for people who need long-term help with anxiety.
What are Benzodiazepines? Benzodiazepines are a type of prescription medication that may
be prescribed for health problems such as anxiety and insomnia. Drugs in this category slow down processes within the brain and body. Examples of benzodiazepines include: Alprazolam (brand name Xanax) Chlordiazepoxide (Librium) Clonazepam (Klonopin) Diazepam (Valium) Lorazepam (Ativan) Temazepam (Restoril) Benzodiazepines work by modifying a person's brain chemistry. Gamma amino butyric acid (GABA) is a molecule in the brain that slows or stops brain signals. Benzodiazepines enhance
