In what situations is treatment with benzodiazepines appropriate?

Benzodiazepines are substances that, in addition to relieving anxiety, can also have a calming (sedative) effect. Furthermore, they can reduce the sensation of labored breathing. For example, the medication lorazepam is available as a sublingual tablet (“sublingual”: under the tongue), which takes effect quickly because it is absorbed through the oral mucosa. Sublingual tablets can also be used in cases of difficulty swallowing.