Benzodiazepines are medications that create a calming effect by enhancing certain brain chemicals. They are approved to treat anxiety disorders, insomnia, and the management of alcohol use.
Discover if benzodiazepines can help relieve your anxiety. Talk to a provider on Klarity Health today, and get a prescription online in as little as 24 hours if medically necessary.*
*Providers on Klarity Health are independent practitioners with clinical autonomy; a diagnosis, treatment, or prescription is not guaranteed.
*Providers on Klarity Health are independent practitioners with clinical autonomy; a diagnosis, treatment, or prescription is not guaranteed.
Your provider will discuss treatment options with you, which may or may not include medication.
Klarity Health connects you with experienced, licensed providers who specialize in the treatment of anxiety, insomnia, and more. Select your state to see available providers.
To get a prescription for benzodiazepines online, talk to a licensed online doctor or provider who can confirm you have a diagnosis where treatment with benzodiazepines may be medically appropriate. Providers who can prescribe benzodiazepines online must be registered with the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA), as they are controlled substances. Qualified practitioners may include nurse practitioners (NPs), physician assistants/associates (PAs), and medical doctors (MDs).
Get started today! Find a provider on Klarity Health who can address your symptoms and health. If your provider believes a benzodiazepine is the right medication, they will write a prescription that you can fill at a local or licensed online pharmacy.
Benzodiazepines are available in many forms, including tablets, capsules, liquid solutions, injections, gels, and sublingual (under the tongue) tablets. They may also come in immediate-release or extended-release forms.
Xanax is available as an oral tablet in 0.25-, 0.5-, 1-, and 2-milligram doses. It’s one of the benzos that can be prescribed for immediate or extended release. The typical starting dose for Xanax is 0.25 or 0.5 milligrams taken up to 3 times daily. For generalized anxiety disorder, the maximum dose of Xanax is 4 milligrams. For panic disorder, a provider may prescribe up to 10 milligrams daily.
Ativan is available as an oral tablet and an injection. It’s most commonly used in tablet form, which comes in 0.5-, 1-, and 2-milligram doses. The typical starting dose is 2 to 3 milligrams per day, taken 2 to 3 times daily. Typical dosing for Ativan is 2 to 6 milligrams per day in divided doses.
You should avoid benzodiazepines if you are pregnant or breastfeeding, are an older person, or are at higher risk of falls. If you have a medical condition like liver disease, sleep apnea, or respiratory issues, your provider may not prescribe benzodiazepines.
If you miss a dose of your benzodiazepine, take it as soon as you remember. But, skip the missed dose if it’s close to the time of your next dose. Continue with your regular dosing schedule. Do not double your dose. If you discontinue benzodiazepines for any reason, your provider will create a plan to help you taper off them due to the risk of withdrawal symptoms. To minimize withdrawal symptoms, consult your provider before stopping this medication.
Your medication should be stored at room temperature, away from moisture and heat. Keep your medication in its original container, especially since it’s a controlled substance. Store your medication away from children and pets.
Benzodiazepines can be effective for short-term use for anxiety and other conditions. But, they come with side effects, contraindications, and warnings. Before starting any benzodiazepine, talk to a licensed healthcare provider to see if it’s right for you.
Common side effects of benzodiazepines include:
• Drowsiness
• Dizziness
• Memory issues
• Muscle weakness
• Blurred vision
• Dry mouth
• Nausea
• Emotional blunting (reduced range and intensity of emotional responses)
Serious side effects of benzodiazepines may include:
• Respiratory depression (slowed or suppressed breathing)
• Cognitive impairment
• Increased anxiety, agitation, or aggression
• Dependency and withdrawal (symptoms can be severe or life-threatening)
• Risk of overdose (especially when combined with other depressants)
• Suicidal thoughts
It’s important to know that with discontinuing benzos, there is a risk of rebound insomnia or anxiety. In other words, after stopping these meds, you could experience insomnia or anxiety more intensely. The rebound phenomenon is more likely with long-term use and higher doses.
Benzodiazepines may not be the best medication for some people. Your provider will likely discuss alternatives if you are pregnant or breastfeeding, have a severe respiratory condition, liver disease, or a condition like myasthenia gravis (as benzos can worsen muscle weakness). If you are an older person or prone to falls, your provider may look for an alternative.
The FDA issues a boxed warning when the risk of misuse and dependency with a medication is high. Benzodiazepines have a boxed warning. If you have a history of substance use issues, you may be at higher risk for developing dependency, and your provider may not recommend benzodiazepines.
Benzodiazepines may interact with other medications or substances. Mixing benzos with alcohol or opioids can be especially dangerous and even life-threatening due to suppressed breathing. Your provider may also caution you about combining benzodiazepines with antidepressants or antihistamines.
The best way to determine if benzodiazepines are the right treatment for your symptoms and how to take them safely is to talk to a licensed healthcare professional.
Medication | Dosage | Quantity | Cost (according to drugs.com) |
Xanax (brand) | 0.25 mg | 100 tablets | $595.06 |
Xanax (brand) | 0.5 mg | 100 tablets | $739.08 |
Xanax (brand) | 0.25 mg | 6 tablets | $10.80 |
Ativan (brand) | 0.5 mg | 100 tablets | $3,871.22 |
Lorazepam (generic for Ativan) | 0.5 mg | 10 tablets | $9.45 |
If your insurance covers benzodiazepines, you may save on the cost. Requesting the generic version can also save you money. With or without insurance, you can find drug discount cards on sites like drugs.com, GoodRx, WellRx, NeedyMeds, and SingleCare Rx.
Benzodiazepines are effective at treating anxiety because they work rapidly to produce a calming effect. They work by enhancing GABA. Benzodiazepines are FDA-approved to treat anxiety disorders, insomnia, seizures, and the management of alcohol. Xanax and Klonopin, well-known benzodiazepines, are often prescribed on a short-term or as-needed basis because of the potential for misuse and dependence.
Benzodiazepines may be compared to other medications often used to treat anxiety, like antidepressants or barbiturates. Benzodiazepines and barbiturates work quickly. But antidepressants take several weeks before they are effective.
Antidepressants are medications that work by regulating the levels of neurotransmitters like serotonin, norepinephrine, and dopamine. The main classes of these drugs include selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs), serotonin-norepinephrine reuptake inhibitors (SNRIs), and tricyclic antidepressants (TCAs). Each works by influencing levels of different neurotransmitters.
Widely used antidepressants, like Prozac (fluoxetine) and Lexapro (escitalopram), are FDA-approved to treat GAD and may be used off-label to treat panic disorder, social anxiety, and OCD. They are effective for long-term use in the treatment of anxiety.
Barbiturates are sedative-hypnotic medications FDA-approved to treat anxiety, seizures, and insomnia. But, they are rarely used to treat anxiety anymore due to the higher potential for misuse, dependency, and overdose. Today, barbiturates like phenobarbital are more commonly used to manage seizures, while thiopental is used for anesthesia.
Common side effects of benzodiazepines include drowsiness, dizziness, memory issues, and impaired coordination. Similar to benzodiazepines, barbiturates can also lead to impaired coordination. They can also cause drowsiness, headache, and nausea. Side effects of antidepressants may include nausea, dry mouth, fatigue, insomnia, or sexual dysfunction.
The best way to determine what benzodiazepine, or other medication for anxiety, is right for you is to consult your licensed healthcare provider.
Reviews from real patients who received treatment from healthcare providers on Klarity Health.
*Appointments are generally available within 24 hours. Free initial consultations are available only with select providers. Prescriptions, particularly for controlled substances, may require an in-person evaluation depending on the state of residence and current federal regulations.
The information provided in this article is for educational purposes only and should not be construed as medical advice. Controlled substances may not be appropriate for all patients and any mention of these medications is for educational purposes only, not for marketing or encouraging self-diagnosis. Always seek the guidance of a qualified healthcare professional with any questions or concerns you have regarding your health. Providers on Klarity Health are independent practitioners with clinical autonomy. Nothing in this article is intended to diagnose or treat any condition, including guaranteeing prescription medication of any kind or dosage. Not all providers on Klarity Health prescribe all medications, particularly medications that are controlled substances.
If you’re having a mental health crisis or experiencing a psychiatric emergency, it’s crucial to seek immediate help from a mental healthcare professional, such as a psychiatrist, psychologist, or therapist. You can also call your local emergency services, visit your nearest emergency room, or contact a crisis hotline, such as the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline, by calling or texting 988 or dialing the Lifeline’s previous phone number, 1-800-273-TALK (1-800-273-8255) in the U.S.