Anxiolytics and hypnotics are drugs that are prescribed very frequently today, since 2000 there has been a very significant increase in consumption, the medicines of the benzodiazepine group are among the most commonly used in the adult population.
Rational use of medications is a fundamental topic to note, especially when it comes to psychotropics, many of these drugs have important side effects that should not be overlooked, and many times, in addition, patients are unaware of these side effects.
- Consumption of this type of medication for extended periods can lead to a situation of significant dependence.
- Which begins as a low-dose prescription for a specific point situation and often results in influencing the quality of life of patients.
- Both physical and psychological.
Anxiolytics and hypnotics are a group of central nervous system depressive psychotropics that are primarily used to treat anxiety symptoms and cope with insomnia.
What they cause in the body is a decrease in nervous system functions, which slows down, eliminates symptoms of anxiety, but also affects other brain functions, such as response to stimuli and coordination.
Benzodiazepines are the most well-known group of anxiolytics and can be classified into different types depending on the duration of their effect:
The most commonly used drugs in this group are alprazolam, lorazepam and lormetazepam; Today, unfortunately, they are used as a solution to the stress of our pace of life, however, their effects can be seriously harmful if abused, so it is important to know them.
As we have already said, these medications are commonly prescribed for anxiety and insomnia in adults, they are effective and safe in short-term treatments, but when the duration of their use is prolonged side effects may occur, including:
These effects may occur even at therapeutic doses, so it is recommended to follow prescription guidelines related to the duration of treatment, i. e. they should not be used for more than 4 weeks in case of insomnia or anxiety.
In this case, it is necessary to include a withdrawal protocol; that is, a gradual dose reduction at the end of treatment, if symptoms persist, it is necessary to consider the need for alternative treatments or complementary therapeutic strategies.
Side effects may result both from improper use of the medicine by the patient and from an inadequate prescription by the doctor. Sometimes patients themselves insist that the professional prescribe these medicines at all times. At other times, doctors prescribe them very easily.
The reality is that, in standard practice, these limited periods are not respected in the treatment with these psychotropics. A large part of the elderly population typically consumes benzodiazepines. Unfortunately, it is these patients who are most at risk for the side effects mentioned above. .
In addition, there has also been an increase in over-the-counter use among young people who use these drugs as recreational drugs, partly due to the ease of access to these drugs and their sometimes unnecessary over-prescription.
In short, the abuse or misuse of any drug has negative consequences, mainly for the patient, but also for society as a whole, we can all contribute to the rational use of medicines.
Specifically, anxiolytics and hypnotics are drugs that can produce serious side effects if not used correctly, so it is essential to follow a specialist’s instructions and not take medication on their own.