What Are the Dangers of Anxiety Drugs?

When anxiety becomes severe and overwhelming, medications may be prescribed to help patients function. The most commonly used medications are benzodiazepines such as Xanax, Valium or Ativan, which act as sedatives or hypnotics. While relatively safe when used correctly, these medications do carry risks.

Side Effects

• Common side effects include drowsiness, lack of coordination and confusion. In some cases, these medications can cause depression and suicidal thoughts, psychosis, joint pain, convulsions, weakness and liver damage.

Risk in Pregnancy

• Benzodiazepines are labeled class D teratogens, meaning they may cause birth defects. They can also cause the baby to become addicted and suffer withdrawal in the womb or after birth.

Addiction

• This medication can become physically and psychologically addictive if taken in high doses or for a long duration of time. Withdrawal symptoms include depression and anxiety, insomnia, stomach cramps and seizures.

Elderly Patients

• The use of benzodiazepines in elderly patients has been associated with an increased risk of falls and a worsening of mental deterioration such as dementia, according to the American Academy of Family Physicians.

Overdose

• Benzodiazepines can cause fatal overdoses, especially when combined with alcohol, opiates, some antidepressants, antihistamines or other medications that relax the central nervous system. Signs include fainting, confusion, limp muscles and shallow breathing.