Benzodiazepines, What Are They and Why Might They Be Prescribed
Benzodiazepines are a group of prescription medicines with sedative effects.
Benzodiazepines are a group of prescription medicines with sedative effects.
They have several medical uses. In mental-health care they may sometimes be used in particular short-term circumstances, but they are not routine long-term treatment for every anxiety problem.
NICE guidance for generalised anxiety disorder says benzodiazepines should not usually be offered except as a short-term measure during crises.
Why is their role usually limited?
Benzodiazepines can be associated with tolerance, dependence and withdrawal.
NICE’s guidance on medicines associated with dependence or withdrawal includes benzodiazepines and emphasises informed prescribing, regular review and individual withdrawal management.
That is why information about these medicines needs more context than simply saying that they can make somebody feel calmer.
Dependence is a healthcare issue, not a moral judgement
Physical dependence can develop when the body adapts to a medicine.
That is different from making assumptions about somebody’s character or intentions.
If you are worried that you have become dependent on prescribed medication, speak openly with your GP or prescriber. Do not stop it abruptly based on information from a general webpage.
What if I have been prescribed one?
Ask what the medicine is being used for, how it fits into your treatment plan, how long the prescriber expects the current plan to continue and when it will be reviewed.
Also ask about effects that could matter to everyday activities and about interactions with other medicines or substances.
Your pharmacist can help explain medicine information, while treatment decisions remain with the appropriate prescriber.
Why MH360 does not give stopping instructions
Withdrawal management depends on the medicine, duration of treatment, individual response and other clinical circumstances.
NICE recommends that withdrawal from dependence-forming medicines is planned with the person and adjusted according to their response.
MH360 therefore does not publish dose-reduction percentages, schedules or instructions for stopping benzodiazepines.
If you are worried about your current use
Do not wait for the concern to become a crisis before raising it.
Tell your GP or prescribing clinician what you are taking, how you are taking it and what worries you.
If you are obtaining medicines from more than one source or taking other substances as well, accurate information is particularly important for safe clinical advice.
Last reviewed
6 September 2026
Important medication and mental health information
This guide provides general information only and is not medical advice. It is not intended to recommend any particular medicine, treatment, dose, change to medication or course of action.
Medicines can affect people differently. The appropriate treatment will depend on your individual circumstances, health, other medicines you take and the reason treatment has been prescribed.
Do not start, stop, reduce, increase, change or switch prescribed medication based on information in this guide. If you have questions or concerns about your medication, side effects, missed doses, withdrawal symptoms or whether treatment is helping, speak to your GP, prescribing clinician, pharmacist or another appropriately qualified healthcare professional.
Some medicines used in mental-health treatment can be associated with dependence or withdrawal symptoms. Do not change or stop prescribed medication without professional advice.
If you think you may be experiencing a serious reaction to medication, seek urgent medical advice.
If you or somebody else is in immediate danger or there is a life-threatening emergency, call 999 or go to A&E. If you are experiencing a mental health crisis and need urgent help but it is not a life-threatening emergency, contact NHS 111 and select the mental health option, or use your local NHS urgent mental health service.