Antianxiety medications (such as alprazolam, clonazepam, diazepam,
and lorazepam) are often used along with antipsychotic medications to treat
people with
schizophrenia during
relapse. These medications have a calming effect and
relieve anxiety and nervousness. In high doses, they may cause drowsiness and
sleep.
Antianxiety medicines are sometimes used to shorten an episode of
psychosis. On rare occasions, taking antianxiety
medications makes psychotic symptoms worse.
When antianxiety medications are combined with antipsychotic
medicines to treat schizophrenia, the dose of antipsychotic may need to be
lowered.
Side effects of antianxiety medications include fatigue, balance
problems, and sleepiness. These can lead to falls and accidents. For this
reason, antianxiety medications are used with caution in older adults and
people who already have problems with balance and coordination.
Antianxiety medications should never be stopped abruptly. This can
cause weakness, severe confusion, and
seizures.
Antianxiety medicines can become habit-forming.
For more information on antianxiety medications, see Drug Reference.
(Drug Reference is not available in all systems).
