Taking them at meal times may make it easier to remember as there is no problem about taking any of these drugs with or after food. If the instructions say to take them once a day this is usually best at bedtime as they should make you drowsy and help you to sleep. They should start to work fairly soon after you start to take them. After that your doctor may need to change the dose to suit you. This should be discussed with your doctor as different people respond differently.
Benzodiazepines are very safe drugs if used sensibly.
Usually this should be no longer than about one month to help you get over your problems and for other treatments to start working. If you need to take them for longer you should discuss this regularly with your doctor. Some people with long-term problems may need to take them for longer. Dependence or addiction means that you cannot manage without them because if you stop them you get withdrawal symptoms. In the worst cases withdrawal symptoms from the benzodiazepines could include anxiety, tension, panic attacks, poor concentration, difficulty in sleeping, nausea, trembling, palpitations, sweating and pains and stiffness in your face, head and neck.