Bipolar Disorder and Benzodiazepines

Benzodiazepines are a potentially addicting class of medicines that can be used to treat agitation or insomnia, usually on a short term basis.

Since agitation and insomnia can be symptoms of biopolar/manic depressive disorder, benzodiazepines can be useful in helping to treat those symptoms.

Some common types of benzodiazepines used for the treatment of biopolar disorder are:

• Clonazepam (Klonopin)
• Lorazepam (Ativan)

Read more details about Benzodiazepines.

Do not take with alcohol or other sedating drugs. Do not take if you must drive a vehicle or operate machinery. Benzodiazepines should not be taken in combination with certain oral antifungal medications or by people with certain types of glaucoma.

Possible side effects of benzodiazepines include:

• Drowsiness
• Dizziness
• Confusion
• Weakness
• Difficulty walking
• Respiratory depression (decreasing breathing)

These drugs should not be used more than prescribed since they may cause or worsen problems with memory, a symptom experienced by most people with Alzheimer’s disease. These drugs should also not be stopped abruptly since serious side effects, such as seizures, may result.