fect.
The efficacy of benzodiazepines in reducing anxiety, inducing sleep, and reducing panic symptoms is not questioned (Longo and Johnson, 2000, 2121). The anxiolytic and hypnotic efficacy of benzodiazepines has been well-established in numerous scientific placebo-controlled studies. Four benzodiazepines, alprazolam (Xanax), clonazepam (Klonopin), diazepam (Valium), and lorazepam (Ativan) are among the top 100 most commonly prescribed medications. These drugs generally produce immediate effects and so may be prescribed for short-term, as needed, and intermittent use. Because anxiety problems often come and go, [patients prefer benzodiazepines because they can take them as needed and do not need to be on medication all the time.
Benzodiazepines are often prescribed for reasons other than anxiety, such as muscle spasticity, convulsive disorders, presurgical sedation, involuntary movement disorders, anxiety-related gastrointestinal or cardiovascular disorders, and while undergoing detoxification from alcohol and other substances (Longo and Johnson, 2000, 2121). Accordi9ng to statistics form the American Psychiatric Association (APA), b
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