What is a common side effect of benzodiazepines?

Drowsiness is a well-known side effect associated with benzodiazepines. These medications are primarily prescribed to treat conditions such as anxiety, insomnia, and seizures, and they function by enhancing the effects of a neurotransmitter called gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA) in the brain. This increased GABA activity leads to a calming effect on the nervous system, which often results in sedation and a reduction in alertness, contributing to feelings of drowsiness in individuals who take these medications.

The sedative properties of benzodiazepines are particularly important for managing acute anxiety or for helping people fall asleep, but they also come with the risk of potentially impairing cognitive and motor functions. Consequently, individuals using benzodiazepines are often cautioned against engaging in activities that require full alertness, such as driving.

In contrast, the other options represent effects that are not typically associated with benzodiazepines. For example, increased energy levels and heightened alertness would contradict the primary sedative effects of these medications, while muscle rigidity is more commonly linked to other classes of drugs, such as antipsychotics or certain recreational drugs.