Bipolar Disorder: Benzodiazepines for Bipolar Disorder

Benzodiazepines rapidly help control certain manic symptoms until mood-stabilizing drugs can take effect. They are usually taken for a brief time, up to two weeks or so, with other mood-stabilizing drugs. They may also help restore normal sleep patterns in people with bipolar disorder.

Benzodiazepines slow the activity of the brain. In doing so, they can help treat mania, anxiety, panic disorder, insomnia, and seizures.

Benzodiazepines prescribed for bipolar disorder include (among others):

• Ativan (lorazepam)
• Klonopin (clonazepam)
• Valium (diazepam)
• Xanax (alprazolam)

Benzodiazepine Side Effects

The drugs act quickly and bring on a sense of calmness. They can sometimes cause lightheadedness, slurred speech, or unsteadiness.

Possible side effects include:

• Drowsiness or dizziness
• Lightheadedness
• Fatigue
• Blurred vision
• Slurred speech
• Memory loss
• Muscle weakness

Benzodiazepines can be habit-forming and addictive.

If you have been taking the benzodiazepines in high doses or for a long time, you may suffer withdrawal symptoms if you stop the drug suddenly. Talk with your doctor about whether you still need the medication and, if not, how to taper off the drug.

Reviewed by the doctors at The Cleveland Clinic Department of Psychiatry and Psychology.