About

Ativan (lorazepam) is used in the treatment of anxiety disorders and for short-term (up to 4 months) relief of the symptoms of anxiety.

Klonopin (clonazepam) is used alone or along with other medications to treat convulsive disorders such as epilepsy.

Valium (diazepam) is used to relieve anxiety, muscle spasms, and seizures and to control agitation caused by alcohol withdrawal.

Xanax (alprazolam) is a tranquilizer used in the short-term relief of symptoms of anxiety or the treatment of anxiety disorders.

How to take

Xanax may be taken with or without food. Take it exactly as prescribed.

Take Valium exactly as your doctor directed. Each oral dose is to be taken with a full glass of water. Not to be mistaken in the dose, measure the liquid forms of Valium with a dose-measuring spoon or cup, not with a regular table spoon. If you do not have one, ask your pharmacist for help. Do not take Valium more often or in larger doses than your doctor prescribed. Valium is habit forming. It is easy to become physically and psychologically dependent on the medication. Do not take more than the prescribed amount of Valium and don't take it for longer term than is directed by your doctor. Withdrawal effects may occur in case Valium is stopped suddenly after being used for several weeks. Doctors may recommend a gradual dose reduction.

Take Klonopin tablets by mouth. Follow the directions on the prescription label. Swallow the tablets with a drink of water. If Klonopin upsets your stomach, take it with food or milk. Take your doses at regular intervals. Do not take your medicine more often than directed. Do not stop taking or change the dose except on your prescriber`s advice. Contact your pediatrician or health care professional regarding the use of this medicine in children. Special care may be needed

Take Ativan as directed. The dose and frequency of use will depend on your condition and response. Long-term or excessive use of this medication can cause dependency.

Missed dose

Xanax
Xanax may be taken with or without food. Take it exactly as prescribed

Valium
Take it as soon as you remember if it is within an hour or so of the scheduled time. If you do not remember until later, skip the dose you missed and go back to your regular schedule. Never take 2 doses at the same time.

Ativan
If it is within an hour or so of the scheduled time, take the forgotten dose as soon as you remember. Otherwise, skip the dose and go back to your regular schedule. Do not take 2 doses at once..

Klonopin
If you miss a dose of Klonopin and you are taking it regularly, take it as soon as possible. If several hours have passed or if it is nearing time for the next dose, do not double the dose to catch up, unless advised by your health care provider. Do not take 2 doses at once.

Side effects

Xanax
Side effects cannot be anticipated. If any develop or change in intensity, inform your doctor as soon as possible. Only your doctor can determine if it is safe for you to continue taking Xanax. Your doctor should periodically reassess the need for Xanax. Side effects of Xanax are usually seen at the beginning of treatment and disappear with continued medication. However, if dosage is increased, side effects will be more likely.

* Side effects of Xanax may include: Decreased libido, drowsiness, fatigue, impaired coordination, memory impairment, speech difficulties, weight changes
* Side effects of Xanax XR may include: Constipation, decreased libido, depression, drowsiness, fatigue, impaired coordination, memory problems, mental impairment, nausea, sedation, sleepiness, speech difficulties, weight changes
* Side effects due to a rapid decrease in dose or abrupt withdrawal from Xanax or Xanax XR: Anxiety, blurred vision, decreased concentration, decreased mental clarity, depression, diarrhea, headache, heightened awareness of noise or bright lights, hot flushes, impaired sense of smell, insomnia, loss of appetite, loss of reality, muscle cramps, nervousness, rapid breathing, seizures, tingling sensation, tremor, twitching, weight loss.

Valium
Valium may cause you to become drowsy or less alert; therefore, you should not drive or operate dangerous machinery or participate in any hazardous activity that requires full mental alertness until you know how Valium affects you. If you have liver or kidney problems, use Valium cautiously. Valium slows down the central nervous system and may intensify the effects of alcohol.
Do not drink alcohol while taking Valium. If Valium is taken with certain other drugs, the effects of either could be increased, decreased, or altered. Do not take Valium if you are pregnant or planning to become pregnant. There is an increased risk of birth defects. If Valium is essential to your health, your doctor may advise you to discontinue breastfeeding until your treatment is finished.

Ativan
Side effects cannot be anticipated. If any develop or change in intensity, inform your doctor as soon as possible. Only your doctor can determine if it is safe for you to continue taking Ativan. If you experience any side effects, it will usually be at the beginning of your treatment; they will probably disappear as you continue to take the drug, or if your dosage is reduced.

* More common side effects may include: Dizziness, memory problems, sedation, transient amnesia, unsteadiness, weakness
* Side effects due to a rapid decrease in dose or abrupt withdrawal from Ativan: Abdominal and muscle cramps, convulsions, depressed mood, inability to fall or stay asleep, sweating, tremors, vomiting.

Klonopin
Side effects cannot be anticipated. If any develop or change in intensity, inform your doctor as soon as possible. Only your doctor can determine if it is safe for you to continue taking Klonopin.

* Side effects in seizure disorders may include: Behavior problems, drowsiness, lack of muscular coordination
* Side effects in panic disorder may include: Allergic reaction, constipation, coordination problems, depression, dizziness, fatigue, inflamed sinuses or nasal passages, flu, memory problems, menstrual problems, nervousness, reduced thinking ability, respiratory infection, sleepiness, speech problems, vaginal inflammation Klonopin can also cause aggressive behavior, agitation, anxiety, excitability, hostility, irritability, nervousness, nightmares, sleep disturbances, and vivid dreams.
* Side effects due to a rapid decrease in dose or abrupt withdrawal from Klonopin may include: Abdominal and muscle cramps, behavior disorders, convulsions, depressed feeling, hallucinations, restlessness, sleeping difficulties, tremors.

Storage

Store at room temperature between 59 and 86 degrees F (15-30 degrees C) away from light and moisture. Keep this and all medications out of the reach of children.