Benzodiazepines are a class of psychoactive drugs used to treat a range of conditions, including anxiety and insomnia.
They are one of the most widely prescribed medications in the United States, particularly among older patients.
Benzodiazepines have qualities that can help to reduce anxiety and seizures, relax the muscles, and induce sleep.
Short-term use of these medications is generally safe and effective. However, long-term use is controversial because of the potential for tolerance, dependence, and other adverse effects. It is possible to overdose on benzodiazepines, and mixing them with alcohol or other substances can be fatal.
In this article, Medical News Today
Fast facts on benzodiazepines
- Benzodiazepines are used for a range of health issues, including anxiety, sleep disorders, and alcohol withdrawal.
- They work by triggering a tranquillizing chemical in the brain.
- Side effects can include dizziness, drowsiness, poor co-ordination, and feelings of depression.
- Mixing alcohol with benzodiazepines can be fatal.
- Hospital admissions for benzodiazepine misuse have tripled since 1998.
Share on Pinterest Benzodiazepines can be used to treat anxiety, seizures, and insomnia.
Benzodiazepines are effective for treating a range of psychological and neurological disorders, due to its effects on the neurons that trigger stress and anxiety reactions.
These disorders include:
Insomnia:
Generalized anxiety disorder (GAD):National Institute of Health and Clinical Excellence
Seizures:
Alcohol withdrawal:
Panic attacks
However, NICE advises that long-term use of benzodiazepines is not recommended for the treatment of panic disorder.
The human brain contains many different neurotransmitters. These are responsible for communicating messages between brain cells that can have either tranquilizing or excitatory effects.
When someone feels overly anxious, the brain becomes excited and over-active. Tranquilizing transmitters quickly send messages to brain cells, slowing down activity in the brain and reducing the symptoms of anxiety.
GABA is the tranquilizing neurotransmitter, and billions of brain cells respond to its signals.
Benzodiazepines work by enhancing the effect of the neurotransmitter GABA. The drugs contain chemicals that add to the calming effect already produced by the human body and keep the brain in a more tranquilized state.
There are many different benzodiazepines. They differ in potency, how quickly they are absorbed into the body, and what they are used to treat.
- Alprazolam, or Xanax:
- Chlordiazepoxide, or Librium:
- Clorazepate, or Tranxene:
- Diazepam, or Valium:
- Estazolam:
- Flurazepam, or Dalmane:
- Oxazepam:
- Temazepam, or Restoril:
- Triazolam, or Apo-Triazo, Halcion, Hypam, and Trilam:
The side effects of benzodiazepine usage may include:
- drowsiness
- confusion
- dizziness
- trembling
- impaired coordination
- vision problems
- grogginess
- feelings of depression
- headache
A study, published in the BMJ
The long-term use of benzodiazepines can also result in physical dependence. Dependency can begin after using the drugs for as little as one month, even on the prescribed dosage.
The withdrawal symptoms of benzodiazepines include trouble sleeping, feelings of depression, and sweating.
If someone has become dependent on benzodiazepines, it is crucial that they do not suddenly stop therapy cold turkey.
Stopping cold turkey can result in tremors, muscle cramps, and life-threatening seizures. Therefore, it is important to taper off benzodiazepines slowly with professional help.
Overdose
Benzodiazepine overdose is rarely fatal unless the drugs are mixed with barbiturates, opioids, alcohol, or tricyclic antidepressants.
The most common symptoms of benzodiazepine overdose are central nervous system depression and intoxication with impaired balance and movement control. Slurred speech will also be a sign.
Flumazenil can be used as an antidote, but more often than not, the person experiencing an overdose is observed and supported until the body has naturally cleared the drug.