Anxiolytic agents for prostatitis

Examples

Generic Name	Brand Name
clonazepam	Klonopin
diazepam	Valium
lorazepam	Ativan

How It Works

Anxiolytic medicines may reduce pain in the same way they reduce anxiety.

Why It Is Used

These medicines are prescribed for men with 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

Possible side effects of anxiolytics include:

• Drowsiness.
• Lightheadedness.
• Fatigue.
• Blurred vision.
• Slurred speech.
• Memory loss.
• Weakness.

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

These medicines may be used in combination with alpha-blockers, which relax the muscles in the prostate.

These medicines do not cure problems with anxiety that may have contributed to prostatitis. Curing an underlying problem with anxiety may require counseling with a psychiatrist or psychologist.

This class of medicines can be habit-forming. Long-term use of these medicines to treat a chronic health problem is not usually recommended.

Complete the new medication information form (PDF) (What is a PDF document?) to help you understand this medication.

Author:	Monica Rhodes	Last Updated: December 27, 2007
Medical Review:	E. Gregory Thompson, MD - Internal Medicine Christopher G. Wood, MD, FACS - Urology/Oncology
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