Some Common Anxiety and Sleep Medicines Deserve a Closer Look
Medicines used for anxiety, insomnia, or muscle tension can be very helpful—but some sedating medications can affect alertness, memory, balance, and the central nervous system, particularly with long-term use or in older adults.
💊 1. Benzodiazepines
Examples include alprazolam (Xanax), lorazepam (Ativan), clonazepam (Klonopin), and diazepam (Valium).
These medicines can cause drowsiness, dizziness, impaired coordination, and memory problems. They also carry risks of physical dependence, misuse, and potentially dangerous withdrawal. The FDA requires a boxed warning about these risks.
🧠 2. Why the brain deserves special attention
Benzodiazepines work by slowing activity in the brain through GABA receptors. That calming effect can be useful—but excessive sedation can impair thinking and reaction time.
The concern can be greater when these medications are combined with alcohol, opioids, or other medicines that depress the central nervous system. The combination can cause profound sedation and dangerously slowed breathing.
😴 3. Some sleep medicines can also cause next-day impairment
Certain prescription and over-the-counter sleep medications can leave people drowsy or less alert the following day. This can increase the risk of falls, driving impairment, and accidents.
⚠️ Don’t stop a benzodiazepine suddenly
This is especially important.
If you’ve been taking a benzodiazepine regularly, don’t abruptly stop it or dramatically reduce the dose on your own. Withdrawal can include severe anxiety and insomnia and, in some circumstances, seizures. The FDA recommends a gradual, individualized taper when discontinuation is appropriate.
🩺 A medication review is worthwhile
If you’ve been taking a medication for anxiety, sleep, or tension for months or years, ask your doctor or pharmacist:
- Is this still the best treatment for me?
