Benzodiazepines are drugs that slow certain types of nerve signals throughout the central nervous system and can provide relief in a wide variety of conditions. Some benzodiazepines are actually found naturally, albeit in very tiny concentrations, in both the brain and the cerebrospinal fluid. Acting on the brain's cortex region, benzodiazpines affect emotions; in the brain stem, they reduce convulsions; and in the spinal cord, they reduce muscle spasms. When effects on the brain stem become important, the drugs can cause problems with walking and balance, rather than curing a problem.

The group of drugs known as benzodiazepines includes alprazolam (Xanax), chlordiazepoxide (Librium), diazepam (Valium), and lorazepam (Ativan). These medicines take effect fairly quickly, usually within one hour after they are taken. They are available only with a physician's prescription, and should not be used to relieve the nervousness and tension of normal everyday life. The recommended dosage...