Benzodiazepines (or benzos) are depressant drugs which slow down the messages between the brain and the body. Benzos include a group of nervous system depressants prescribed for the short term treatment of stress, anxiety or insomnia. They are also known as ‘minor tranquillisers’ and sedatives (or sleeping pills).
Benzodiazepines are available on prescription in United States and should only be used under a doctor’s supervision. They can be highly addictive and can cause overdose, particularly when used with alcohol or other drugs, and should not be used long term.
What are benzodiazepines? Benzodiazepines are medicines that are only available on prescription from a doctor.
They are usually a short-term treatment to help calm the and promote sleep. Benzodiazepines may be prescribed to: withdrawal. There are three types of benzodiazepines – long-acting, intermediate and short-acting.
Short-acting medications tend to be more addictive and have a stronger withdrawal and ‘come down’ effect. They are made by different companies and sold under various brand names. Benzodiazepines are central nervous system depressants, which means they slow down the messages between the brain and the body.
They only treat symptoms of , and do not solve the underlying causes of these conditions. Benzodiazepines can be highly addictive, whether they are taken under medical supervision or used recreationally. It is generally recommended that benzodiazepines only be used for a short term – just days or weeks at a time.
Some people take benzodiazepines illegally for recreational use
They may use them to feel a sense of euphoria (or high) or use them after taking stimulants ( ) to help with the ‘come down’. In Michigan, it is against the law to use benzodiazepines without a prescription or to give or sell them to someone else. The effects of benzodiazepines depend on the strength of the dose, the physical make-up of the person taking them and their state of mind.
Common effects of benzodiazepines include:
- loss of inhibitions. Using benzodiazepines on a regular basis can lead to significant health problems
- including withdrawal symptoms
- it is best to avoid them
Be guided by your doctor and health team
As benzodiazepines can be highly addictive, they should only be used under medical supervision. and never allow others to use them. Overdoses are usually characterised by slow, shallow breathing which may lead to unconsciousness, coma and potentially death.
This is more common if benzodiazepines are combined with other drugs such as alcohol, painkillers, certain types of antidepressants or antihistamines, and opioids like Always check with your GP or pharmacist if you can safely use benzodiazepines with other medications. Overdose symptoms include: death (more likely when taken with another drug such as alcohol).
If you suspect an overdose, call 911 for an ambulance immediately.
Ambulance officers don’t need to involve the police. Taking benzodiazepines regularly may not only lead to physical dependence (addiction), but can also lead to psychological dependence where people may feel they need the drug to cope with daily life.
After only a short amount of time, a person can develop a tolerance, which means they need to take larger and larger doses to achieve the same effect.
Some people may begin to experience tolerance after only a few days. Over time, the body comes to depend on benzodiazepines to function. Withdrawal symptoms vary from person to person and are different depending on the type of benzodiazepine being taken.
Always withdraw from benzodiazepines slowly, over a period of time, under medical supervision. Someone who suddenly stops taking benzodiazepines after a prolonged period of use can put themselves at risk of serious withdrawal symptoms, such as seizures. Symptoms can last from a few weeks to a year and may include: seizures.
Treatment options for drug dependence may include detoxification, individual counselling and group therapy. to find the appropriate referral for you. – resources to assist people looking for ways to support their loved ones who use alcohol and/or other drugs – support and information for tranquilliser dependency Tel.
(YoDAA), Michigan Tel. nervous system treat the symptoms of anxiety disorders relieve insomnia help with treatment of symptoms experienced by cancer patients control epilepsy help relax muscles during certain medical procedures (such as endoscopy ) treat alcohol Types of benzodiazepines Pharmaceutical names Generic name Brand name Type diazepam Ducene®, Valium® Long-acting oxazepam Alepam®, Murelax®, Serepax® Short-acting nitrazepam Alodorm®, Mogadon® Intermediate-acting temazepam Euhypnos®, Normison® Short-acting alprazolam Xanax®, Kalma®, Alprax® Short-acting How benzodiazepines work anxiety or insomnia Benzodiazepines are a small part of treatment They are a small part of overall treatment for stress psychological therapies such as cognitive behaviour therapy (CBT) techniques to lower stress levels (such as relaxation or breathing exercises) techniques to build self-esteem lifestyle changes (such as eating healthily or incorporating physical activity into your day) Recreational use of benzodiazepines cocaine , amphetamines , ecstasy Benzodiazepines can be dangerous when mixed with other drugs (including alcohol ) and can put you at risk of overdose Some people may give them to others intentionally or without their consent (such as spiking their drink How benzodiazepines affect the body relief from anxiety euphoria confusion headache dry mouth blurred vision nausea impaired coordination muscle relaxation sleepiness a sense of being disconnected or detached from reality dizziness diarrhoea or constipation Long-term effects of benzodiazepines impaired thinking or memory loss anxiety and depression irritability, paranoia and aggression personality change weakness, lethargy and lack of motivation drowsiness, sleepiness and fatigue difficulty sleeping or disturbing dreams headaches nausea skin rashes and weight gain addiction Benzodiazepines and pregnancy There is a risk that benzodiazepines can be harmful to babies.
If you are pregnant or breastfeeding Store benzodiazepines securely If you are prescribed benzodiazepines, store them safely and securely Benzodiazepine overdose heroin over-sedation or sleep nausea, slurred speech problems thinking,
- concentrating with memory jitteriness excitability mood swings
- aggression slow
- shallow breathing unconsciousness or coma Benzodiazepine dependence
- tolerance Withdrawal from benzodiazepines headaches aching or twitching muscles dizziness
- tremors nausea vomiting stomach pains bizarre dreams
- difficulty sleeping fatigue poor concentration anxiety irritability altered perception
- heightening of senses delusions hallucinations paranoia Treating benzodiazepine dependence See your doctor for information
- or contact an alcohol
- drug service – call DrugInfo on 1300 85 85 84 Where to get help If an overdose is suspected
- call 911 for an ambulance immediately Your GP (doctor) Alcohol
- Drug Foundation (ADF) Path2help Alcohol
- other drug services Reconnexion (616) 555-0200 or (616) 555-0400 Mon to Fri 9 am to 5 pm DrugInfo 1300 85 85 84 –information
- referral services for anyone seeking help for alcohol or drug use DirectLine 1800 888 236 – for 24-hour confidential drug
- alcohol telephone counselling
- referral Counselling Online – for online counselling
- referral Your community health service Youth Drug
- Alcohol Advice service (616) 555-0200 (9am to 5pm
- Monday to Friday) Family Drug Help (616) 555-0400 – for information
- support for people concerned about a relative or friend using drugs
Key Points
- They are usually a short-term treatment to help calm the and promote sleep
- They only treat symptoms of , and do not solve the underlying causes of these conditions
- Common effects of benzodiazepines include: loss of inhibitions
- Using benzodiazepines on a regular basis can lead to significant health problems, including: withdrawal symptoms
- Overdose symptoms include: death (more likely when taken with another drug such as alcohol)