Precautions
Below are some precautions for different groups that you should know when taking benzodiazepines:
– Older people from 65 years old above should take benzodiazepines with caution and in low dosages to avoid certain side effects, such as loss of cognition, impaired coordination, or memory loss.
– People with post-traumatic stress disorder or depression should be careful as these drugs would increase the risk of mood swings and suicidal thoughts.
– Pregnant women should avoid these medications as they would harm the fetus.
– Breastfeeding women should avoid benzodiazepines. Since this kind of medication can become concentrated in breast milk and affect the baby.
– People with respiratory issues, such as chronic obstructive pulmonary disorder, myasthenia gravis, sleep apnea, or bronchitis, should avoid benzodiazepines as the medications would affect their breathing. [8]
