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The prosuicidal effects of benzodiazepines are suspected to be due to a psychiatric disturbance caused by side effects or withdrawal symptoms. [11] Because benzodiazepines in general may be associated with increased suicide risk, care should be taken when prescribing, especially to at-risk patients.
One of the recommended benzodiazepine taper is to reduce the dose by 50% in the first 4 weeks, maintain the dose for 1–2 months, and then reduce the dose by 25% every 2 weeks. [15] Other common side effects of benzodiazepines are drowsiness, dizziness, somnolence and increased risk of ataxia.
In terms of the mechanism of action of benzodiazepines, their similarities are too great to separate them into individual categories such as anxiolytic or hypnotic. For example, a hypnotic administered in low doses produces anxiety-relieving effects, whereas a benzodiazepine marketed as an anti-anxiety drug at higher doses induces sleep. [175]
Side effects of loprazolam are generally the same as for other benzodiazepines such as diazepam. [6] The most significant difference in side effects of loprazolam and diazepam is it is less prone to day time sedation as the half-life of loprazolam is considered to be intermediate whereas diazepam has a very long half-life.
A review of the literature regarding benzodiazepine hypnotics and Z-drugs concluded that these drugs can have adverse effects, such as dependence and accidents, and that optimal treatment uses the lowest effective dose for the shortest therapeutic time period, with gradual discontinuation in order to improve health without worsening of sleep.
It is among the most rapidly absorbed and quickest acting oral benzodiazepines, and hypnotic effects are typically felt within 15–30 minutes after oral ingestion. The blood level decline of the parent drug was biphasic with the short half-life ranging from 0.5–0.7 hours and the terminal half-life from 8 to 26.5 hours (mean 17.25 hours).
Benzodiazepine Side Effects Benzodiazepines can cause side effects, including some that may affect your alertness, physical health and daily life. Common side effects of benzodiazepines include:
Flunitrazepam, sold under the brand name Rohypnol among others, [3] is a benzodiazepine used to treat severe insomnia and assist with anesthesia. [4] As with other hypnotics, flunitrazepam has been advised to be prescribed only for short-term use or by those with chronic insomnia on an occasional basis.