THIS JUST IN GOOD-FOR-YOU NEWS, CUES AND REVIEWS ANTIANXIETY MEDICATION RISKS Fatal overdoses from antianxiety medications spiked considerably from 1996 to 2013. Statistics show that fatal overdoses involving antianxiety drugs-benzodiazepines such as Valium and Xanax-reached 3.07 per 100,000 adults in 2013, up from 0.58 per 100,000 in 1996. When these drugs are taken with other drugs or alcohol, the results can be deadly. And research suggests that special caution be exercised with the elderly because of side effects that may be more pronounced in this population, such as sedation. Bottom line: If you suffer from anxiety, panic disorders or insomnia, talk to a doctor or a behavioral health specialist about the risks and benefits of PHOTO BY THINKSTOCK treatment options. WINTE R 2016 33