Examples
|
| clonazepam | Klonopin |
| diazepam | Valium |
| lorazepam | Ativan |
How It Works
Benzodiazepines may reduce pain in
the same way they reduce anxiety.
Why It Is Used
These medicines are prescribed for
men who have
prostatitis to:
- Relieve the pain associated with chronic
prostatitis/pelvic pain syndrome, noninflammatory.
- Relax tense
pelvic floor muscles associated with chronic prostatitis/pelvic pain syndrome,
noninflammatory.
- Relieve anxiety associated with chronic pelvic
pain syndrome, noninflammatory.
How Well It Works
These medicines can help relieve
pain caused by chronic prostatitis/pelvic pain syndrome.1
These medicines can reduce or manage anxiety
caused by long-term symptoms of chronic pelvic pain syndrome.
These medicines can help relax tense pelvic muscles.
Side Effects
All medicines have side effects. But many people don't feel the side effects, or they are able to deal with them. Ask your pharmacist about the side effects of each medicine you take. Side effects are also listed in the information that comes with your medicine.
Here are some important things to think about:
- Usually the benefits of the medicine are more important than any minor side effects.
- Side effects may go away after you take the medicine for a while.
- If side effects still bother you and you wonder if you should keep taking the medicine, call your doctor. He or she may be able to lower your dose or change your medicine. Do not suddenly quit taking your medicine unless your doctor tells you to.
Call 911 or other emergency services right away if you have:
- Trouble breathing.
- Swelling of your face, lips, tongue, or throat.
Call your doctor right away if you have:
- Hives.
- Confusion.
- Slurred speech.
- Thoughts of suicide.
Common side effects of this medicine include:
- Drowsiness.
- Dizziness.
- Memory
loss.
- Tolerance (your body keeps needing more of the medicine to get the same effect).
The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has issued a
warning on clonazepam (Klonopin) and the risk of suicide and suicidal thoughts.
The FDA does not recommend that people stop using this medicine. Instead,
people who take clonazepam should be watched closely for
warning signs of suicide. People who take clonazepam
and who are worried about this side effect should talk to a doctor.
See Drug Reference for a full list of side effects. (Drug Reference is
not available in all systems.)
What To Think About
Taking medicine
Medicine is one of the many tools your doctor has to treat a health problem. Taking medicine as your doctor suggests will improve your health and may prevent future problems. If you don't take your medicines properly, you may be putting your health (and perhaps your life) at risk.
There are many reasons why people have trouble taking their medicine. But in most cases, there is something you can do. For suggestions on how to work around common problems, see the topic Taking Medicines as Prescribed.
Checkups
Follow-up care is a key part of your treatment and safety. Be sure to make and go to all appointments, and call your doctor if you are having problems. It's also a good idea to know your test results and keep a list of the medicines you take.
Complete the new medication information form (PDF) (What is a PDF document?) to help you understand this medication.
References
Citations
- Nickel JC, et al. (2007). Management of men diagnosed
with chronic prostatitis/chronic pelvic pain syndrome who have failed
traditional management. Reviews in Urology, 9(2):
63–72.
Credits
| By | Healthwise Staff |
|---|
| Primary Medical Reviewer | E. Gregory Thompson, MD - Internal Medicine |
|---|
| Specialist Medical Reviewer | J. Curtis Nickel, MD, FRCSC - Urology |
|---|
| Last Revised | May 14, 2012 |
|---|
