Long-Term Benzodiazepines Charleston SC - Why Daily Use Is Discouraged | Hope Integrative Medicine
October 30, 2026 · 1:23
The risks of daily long-term benzodiazepine use, where these medicines still fit, how to taper safely, and the long-term alternatives for anxiety.
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Transcript
Xanax, Klonopin and Ativan: why long-term daily use is discouraged. Here are three things to know. Benzodiazepines such as Xanax, Klonopin and Ativan calm anxiety within minutes. With daily long-term use, the same dose works less well over time, and the body comes to rely on it. Memory, focus and balance problems can follow, with a higher risk of falls and car crashes, especially in older adults. With alcohol, opioids or other sedatives, breathing can slow to a dangerous level. In 2020, the FDA updated the boxed warning on all benzodiazepines to cover misuse, dependence and withdrawal reactions. Rebound anxiety between doses can also happen, especially with short-acting alprazolam, sold as Xanax. If you already take one daily, do not stop suddenly. Abrupt discontinuation after regular use can cause severe anxiety, insomnia and, rarely, seizures. A slow, supervised taper over weeks to months, alongside therapy and a long-term treatment, is the safe path. Your prescriber can build that plan with you. Read the full article at hopeintegrativemed.com. If you are in crisis, call or text 988.
Frequently Asked Questions
With long-term daily use, the same dose works less well over time, and the body comes to rely on it.
Long-term use can cause memory, focus and balance problems, with a higher risk of falls and car crashes, especially in older adults.
Rebound anxiety is anxiety that comes back between doses, especially with short-acting alprazolam (Xanax).
