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Benzodiazepines (benzos): effect, risks and how to reduce them?
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Benzodiazepines are a psychoactive drug primarily used to treat anxiety, insomnia, muscle cramps, and alcohol withdrawal. Although they work well, there are still a few risks associated with their use.
Also read: Sleeping pills with and without a prescription: what is the effect?
Effect of benzodiazepines
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Benzodiazepines work by enhancing the effect of a neurotransmitter called gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA) in the brain, which has a sedative, hypnotic, anti-anxiety, anti-epileptic and muscle relaxant effect. Some commonly used benzodiazepines include diazepam (Valium), alprazolam (Xanax), lorazepam (Ativan), and clonazepam (Klonopin).
Also read: How can you limit the risks of sleeping pills and tranquilizers?
Side effects of benzodiazepines
Benzodiazepines are good for treating conditions such as anxiety, insomnia, and certain other medical conditions, but they can also have several side effects. Here are some common and less common side effects of benzodiazepine use:
Reduced anxiety and stress: Benzodiazepines are known to reduce anxiety and stress by calming the nervous system. Drowsiness: One of the main side effects is drowsiness, which makes them effective for insomnia but can be a problem during the day. Confusion and memory problems: Benzodiazepines may cause confusion and impair memory, especially in older adults.Depression: Use may lead to feelings of depression over time.Physical dependence: Long-term use or abuse may lead to physical dependence and withdrawal symptoms upon discontinuation.Increased respiratory depression: In combination with other substances such as alcohol or opioids, benzodiazepines can cause life-threatening respiratory depression. Decreased brain function: Chronic use is associated with decreased brain function, particularly with anxiety mechanisms in the brain. It is imperative that benzodiazepines are used under the supervision of a healthcare provider to avoid these risks to limit.
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Overdosis benzodiapinen
When someone overdoses on benzodiazepines, it can be a serious and potentially life-threatening situation:
Excessive sedation: The main characteristic of a benzodiazepine overdose is excessive sedation, which can cause a person to become extremely drowsy or fall into a deep sleep, or even into a coma. Respiratory depression: In severe cases, a benzodiazepine overdose can lead to respiratory depression, in which breathing becomes very shallow or stops altogether. Decreased coordination and confusion: People may experience loss of coordination, confusion and slurred speech. In extreme cases, especially when benzodiazepines are mixed with other substances such as alcohol or opioids, an overdose can be fatal.
In the event of a suspected benzodiazepine overdose, it is crucial to seek immediate medical attention.
Also read: The effect and side effects of opiates and opioids
Taper off benzodiazepines
Although benzodiazepines are effective and relatively safe for short-term use (e.g., 1-2 weeks), long-term use can lead to dependence, cognitive decline, and other adverse effects.
If you reduce your dose too abruptly, or stop taking the medication too abruptly, Benzodiazepine Withdrawal Syndrome (BWS) may occur. The patient suffers from symptoms such as anxiety, insomnia, muscle cramps, trembling and in severe cases hallucinations and delirium. It is therefore crucial to follow a medically guided tapering process to minimize withdrawal symptoms and thus safely stop using benzodiazepines.
Sources:
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov
https://americanaddictioncenters.org
https://www.nps.org.au
Last updated: September 2023
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2023-09-25 22:01:50
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