Psychiatric-Mental Health Nurse Practitioner Exam 2026 – Complete Practice Resource

Benzodiazepines are a class of medications commonly used to treat anxiety, insomnia, seizures, and muscle spasms. A well-documented potential side effect of benzodiazepines is drowsiness. This sedative effect can impair an individual’s ability to function normally in their daily activities and may lead to increased risks such as falls or accidents, particularly in the elderly or in those who operate heavy machinery.

Additionally, benzodiazepines can lead to physical and psychological dependency when used over extended periods or at high doses. This is an important consideration in clinical practice, as the risk of withdrawal symptoms can occur if the medication is abruptly discontinued after long-term use. Therefore, careful monitoring and appropriate prescribing practices are essential to mitigate the risk of dependency.

The other answers do not accurately reflect the recognized side effects associated with benzodiazepine use. Increased energy levels and weight loss are not typical effects, as these medications tend to have a calming or sedative impact. Intensified anxiety is also not known as a direct side effect; rather, withdrawal from benzodiazepines can lead to rebound anxiety, but this situation occurs after discontinuation rather than as an immediate side effect of taking the medication. Thus, recognizing drowsiness and the potential for