The benefits and risks of benzodiazepines
Benzodiazepines are a class of drugs that can treat a range of conditions, including anxiety and insomnia. Off-label, they may help with tics and bipolar disorder.
Side effects may include drowsiness, confusion, and depression. The short-term use of these medications is usually safe and effective, but long-term use can lead to tolerance, dependence, and other adverse effects.
There are different types of benzodiazepines, and they have different uses.
They include: alprazolam ( Xanax ) clonazepam (Klonopin) diazepam (Valium) lorazepam ( Ativan ) midazolam (Versed) Taking too much of a benzodiazepine can be dangerous, and mixing it with alcohol or other substances can be fatal. This article looks at how benzodiazepines work, their uses, and the related side effects and risks.
Uses Benzodiazepines alter the activity of the neurons that trigger stress and anxiety reactions. The Food and Drug Administration (FDA)have approved them for the treatment of: insomnia generalized anxiety disorder social anxiety disorder seizure disorders, such as epilepsy panic disorder The type of benzodiazepine will determine the potential uses.
Doctors may also prescribe these drugs off-label for various other conditions and issues, including: other sleep disorders tic disorders bipolar disorder to manage alcohol withdrawal They may also use them in preparation for some medical procedures. Function Benzodiazepines work by enhancing the effectof a neurotransmitter known as gamma-aminobutyric acid, or GABA.
Neurotransmitters are chemicals that communicate messages between brain cells. These messages can have either a stimulating or a calming effect.
GABA is a neurotransmitter that sends calming messages to the body. When a person feels anxious, overstimulation occurs in the brain.
When people take benzodiazepines, the brain will send messages to counter this overstimulation. This activity can reduce the symptoms of anxiety.
Types There are many different benzodiazepines. They differ in terms of potency, how quickly the body absorbs them, and their uses.
This table shows some examples and their uses: Name Use alprazolam panic and anxiety disorders chlordiazepoxide (Librium) alcohol withdrawal and anxiety diazepam panic attacks, restless leg syndrome, insomnia, seizures, and alcohol withdrawal flurazepam (Dalmane) insomnia clonazepam panic disorder and seizure disorders lorazepam anxiety, seizures, and anesthesia temazepam (Restoril) insomnia Side effects The side effects of benzodiazepine use may include : drowsiness confusion dizziness impaired coordination, increasing the risk of falls and accidents depression increased anxiety More serious effectsinclude: memory problems behavioral changes — for example, increased risk taking delirium, especially in older people risk of dependence, especially with long-term use possibly an increased risk of dementia, although scientists are unsure of this A wide range of withdrawal symptoms can occur when stopping benzodiazepines. They include: anxiety and panic agitation and restlessness tremors dizziness fatigue ## sleep problems shortness of breath sweating flushing tremors muscle cramps seizures hallucinationsgastrointestinal problems feelings of unreality headaches and muscle pain Experts do not recommend using benzodiazepines for more than 2 weeks.
A person who uses them for 3–4 weeksand then stops suddenly is likely to experience withdrawal symptoms. People who use them in the long term may need to withdraw their use over a 3–12 monthperiod that their doctor should oversee.
It is essential to follow the doctor’s instructions for stopping the use of these drugs. Stopping slowly with professional help can prevent unwanted effects.
What happens when you stop taking benzodiazepines? Find out here.
Overdose A benzodiazepine overdose can lead to : extreme sedation or drowsiness a very low breathing rate confusion and difficulty thinking slurred speech loss of muscle control a coma It can be fatal if a person: uses the drugs with alcohol or opioids is older and takes too much of the drug is taking other drugs, and the effects build up in their body Anyone who shows signs of an overdose or an adverse reaction after taking benzodiazepines will need emergency medical help. Interactions Before starting treatment with benzodiazepines, a person must tell their doctor about every other medication that they are using.
Some drugs may intensify the effects of benzodiazepines, while others may make them less effective.
It is essential not to use benzodiazepines with opioids or alcohol, as this can lead to life threatening effects. People should also never combine them with cannabis use.
Misuse Benzodiazepine misuse is a cause for concern. Some people use these drugs for recreational purposes without the supervision of a medical professional, which can be dangerous.
People can avoid potentially life threatening problems by: using these drugs only if a doctor prescribes them telling the doctor about any medications or other substances, including supplements, that they are taking following the doctor’s instructions precisely avoiding using the drugs for longer than the doctor prescribes asking the doctor before changing the dosage refraining from using them alongside alcohol or opioids refraining from using another person’s drugs keeping all drugs out of the reach of children considering asking the doctor about alternative options
Takeaway
Benzodiazepines can help treat some mental health and neurological conditions, but it is essential to use them with care. A person should always tell their doctor about any other drugs that they are using and seek medical help at once if any unexpected reactions occur.
Anyone who has concerns about their prescription for a benzodiazepine can ask their doctor about alternative options.
