Adverse effects benzodiazepines

Drowsiness and confusion: These effects are the two most common side effects of the benzodiazepines. Ataxia occurs at high doses and precludes activities that require fine motor coordination, such as driving an automobile. Cognitive impairment (decreased longterm recall and retention of new knowledge) can occur with use of benzodiazepines. Triazolam, one of the most potent oral benzodiazepines with rapid elimination, often shows a rapid development of tolerance, early morning insomnia, and daytime anxiety as well as amnesia and confusion. 2. Precautions: Benzodiazepines should be used cautiously in treating patients with liver disease. These drugs should be avoided in patients with acute narrow-angle glaucoma. Alcohol and other CNS depressants enhance the sedative-hypnotic efects of the benzodiazepines. Benzodiazepines are, however, considerably less dangerous than the older anxiolytic and hypnotic drugs. As a result, a drug overdose is seldom lethal unless other central depressants, such as alcohol, are taken concurrently.