If you or someone close to you has bipolar disorder , you probably know all too well the challenges of living with it. Especially when it comes to managing "mania," when you can't focus, feel overactive, and restless. Today, we're talking about a class of medications that can help relieve symptoms quickly. They are benzodiazepines.
What are benzodiazepines? Why are they given to bipolar patients?
Simply put, benzodiazepines are a class of drugs that control the activity of our brain, slowing it down, and bringing calmness to the mind and body. These drugs work like applying a little 'brake' to a speeding car and slowing it down. This is why they are used to treat conditions like extreme restlessness, anxiety, and insomnia.
Now you might be thinking, "So this is the best medicine for bipolar?" No, it's not. Here's the most important thing we all need to understand.
Benzodiazepines are not a main or primary treatment for bipolar disorder. They are used only as supportive medications.
Think about it this way. When a person is in a mania phase of bipolar disorder, they can't sleep well, can't sit still, and feel very agitated and restless. At this time, it takes a few days for the mood stabilizers that your doctor gives you to control your bipolar disorder long-term to start working. During those days, doctors give you these drugs called benzodiazepines for a short period of time, usually a week or two , to quickly control those severe symptoms and give you relief. Once the main medication starts to work properly, these auxiliary drugs are gradually reduced and stopped.
What are the most common types of benzodiazepines prescribed for bipolar disorder?
There are several types of these medicines on the market. But these should only be used under medical advice. Your doctor will assess your condition and prescribe the most suitable medicine for you. These are some of the most commonly used types.
| Generic name of the drug | Common Brand Name |
|---|---|
| Alprazolam | Xanax |
| Clonazepam | Klonopin / Rivotril |
| Diazepam | Valium |
| Lorazepam | Ativan |
Are there any side effects to this medication?
Yes, like any other medication, benzodiazepines can have side effects. But not everyone gets them. When you take this medication, you feel calm and relaxed. However, some people may experience these side effects.
| Side effect | A simple explanation |
|---|---|
| Drowsiness or dizziness | This is a normal feeling due to the action of the medicine. Therefore, you should avoid driving or operating machinery. |
| Fatigue | A state of physical fatigue. |
| Blurred vision | Your vision may feel a little blurry. |
| Slurred speech | It feels like it's a little difficult to pronounce the words. |
| Memory loss | You may forget things, especially after taking the medicine. |
| Muscle weakness | You may feel lifeless and your muscles may feel weak. |
Things to definitely take care of!
There are a few things we need to be very careful about when using these medications. These are very important for your safety and that of your family.
1. Habit-forming potential
This is the most important thing. Benzodiazepines are addictive drugs that can be used over time . This means that the body and mind can become accustomed to the drug and become dependent on it. That is why doctors only prescribe them for a very short period of time, when necessary. Do not use this drug for more than a day longer than the doctor tells you to.
2. Taking with alcohol and other drugs
Do not drink alcohol while taking these medications for any reason. Both of these medications depress brain function , and when taken together, they can be dangerous, even causing respiratory arrest and even death. Also, taking them with other drugs is very dangerous. If you have ever been addicted to alcohol or drugs, be sure to tell your doctor.
3. Stopping the medication suddenly
If you take this medication for several weeks and then stop it suddenly, you may experience severe withdrawal symptoms. For example, you may experience more anxiety, insomnia, tremors, and sweating than before.
Therefore, if you feel like stopping the medication, talk to your doctor first. He or she will tell you how to safely taper off the medication. Never stop taking this medication on your own.
Take-Home Message
- Benzodiazepines are not a mainstay of treatment for bipolar disorder. They are only adjunctive medications for short-term symptom control.
- These mainly help to quickly control the excessive restlessness, agitation, and insomnia that occur during mania.
- Because these medications can be addictive , do not use them for more than the duration prescribed by your doctor.
- Never take these medications with alcohol . It is very dangerous.
- Avoid stopping the medication suddenly without medical advice. If you need to stop, do so gradually, under the guidance of your doctor, by reducing the dosage.
- If you have any concerns about these medications or your condition, discuss them openly with your doctor.
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