Benzodiazepines, also called Benzos, are among the most prescribed medications globally. These psychoactive drugs are hypnotic, sedative, and anxiety-reducing, effectively treating anxiety disorders, insomnia, seizures, alcohol withdrawal symptoms, and panic disorders. Commonly prescribed Benzos include lorazepam (Ativan), diazepam (Valium), clonazepam (Klonopin) and midazolam (Versed).

Benzos are generally safe if taken in the short term under prescription. However, prolonged use of the drug will cause tolerance, dependence, abuse, withdrawal effects, and possible overdose. Here’s what you should know about common benzodiazepine side effects.

Memory Problems and Confusion

Some Benzos disturb the mind process, affecting the intake and retention of new memory. Some patients' reasoning and thinking abilities will also reduce following prolonged Benzos use, while others will experience severe allergies like angioedema (swelling) and anaphylaxis (constricting of the windpipe). It is unlikely that Benzos will cause you to forget old memories. Older adults and those with pre-existing cognitive impairment, however, may experience confusion.

Tolerance, Addiction, and Withdrawal Symptoms

Your body will develop tolerance in the long run as part of the benzodiazepine side effects by demanding more to achieve the same feel. Satisfying this desire will cause addiction and dependence.

The following comprise symptoms of benzodiazepine addiction:

• Tolerance as the body becomes used to the effects of benzos and demands more doses to achieve similar effects;

• Cravings for benzos that are difficult to resist;

• An obsession to obtain and use the drug to the point it interferes with your daily life and responsibilities;

• Cognitive impairment affects attention, memory, and decision-making;

• Mood changes cause irritability, anxiety, and depression;

• Social effects where an individual withdraws from their social relationships and activities and prefers to stay alone or with peers using the drug;

• Difficulty controlling use despite its consequences, such as health issues, relationship problems, and financial difficulties.

Benzos abusers are also at risk of slurred speech, confusion, shakiness, slow heartbeat, difficulty breathing, and severe weakness. A benzodiazepine addict also risks developing dementia, affecting the brain and causing gradual loss of memory with motor and language skills in the long term.

Stopping benzodiazepine treatment abruptly will cause withdrawal symptoms in patients. The risk and severity of the symptoms will vary depending on the person’s age, physiology, and duration of abuse. These symptoms will also occur earlier, with benzos having shorter elimination half-lives.

An individual may experience intense symptoms such as seizures, which can start as soon as three hours after withdrawal. Also, given that Benzos are a prescription for anxiety, withdrawal may result in rebound anxiety with greater severity than before. This is why drug discontinuation should be gradual and under a doctor’s supervision. Prompt recognition and treatment of benzos withdrawal symptoms are also crucial, as the condition can be life-threatening.

Common withdrawal effects of benzos include anxiety, irritability, restlessness, and muscle tension. Patients may also experience:

• Agitation

• Increased heart rate

• Increased blood pressure

• Insomnia

• Hand tremors

• Nausea and vomiting

• Impaired motor coordination

• Muscle spasms or twitching

In rare cases, Benzos withdrawal may cause hallucinations, seizures, delusions, and ringing in the ears.

Impaired Motor Coordination

Given its activity in the brain, abusing Benzos will impair an individual’s coordination and balance, increasing their risks of accidents and falls. This risk is common among the elderly and can result in serious fractures, head, and back injuries.

Respiratory Depression Effect

In high doses, benzodiazepine will cause respiratory depression, a life-threatening effect. This results in a slower-than-usual breathing rate, which may affect normal day-to-day functions.

Hangover and Drowsiness

The hangover effect and drowsiness arise after taking Benzos containing flurazepam and diazepam for a long duration. These effects can carry on the next day, impairing an individual’s daily activities and driving.

Reduced sex drive

Benzos such as alprazolam, lorazepam, diazepam, and clonazepam induce a wide range of sexual dysfunctions in males and females. These include anorgasmia, erectile dysfunction (ED), and lack of sexual desire.

Benzodiazepine Side Effects Due to Adverse Drug Interactions

Given the risks of respiratory depression, avoid taking benzodiazepines with opioids, antihistamines, and insomnia medication. Antacids and proton pump inhibitors may also affect the intake of Benzos in your system, while alcohol will increase drowsiness. Therefore, seek medical attention if you experience dizziness, lightheadedness, difficulty breathing, or extreme sleepiness from taking any of the above medications with Benzos.

The Benzodiazepine Overdose

While death may not occur from benzodiazepine abuse alone, severe overdose can occur when you use this drug in combination with other substances. Statistics reveal a significant number of ER trips and hospital admissions due to overdose, with flumazenil (Romazicon) being the common antidote for overdose. Common symptoms of benzodiazepine overdose include slurred speech, impaired balance, system depression, and ataxia (loss of coordination).

Management of Benzos Side Effects

As stated earlier, stopping the use of benzos will result in withdrawal effects, some of which are unpleasant. Fortunately, if you are struggling with abuse or addiction to benzodiazepine, help is available, and you can regain control over your life.

Upon contacting your healthcare provider, they will sign you up for a medical detox program to manage the symptoms. A medically managed withdrawal will allow your body to rid itself of toxins safely and comfortably. Detox is insufficient for long-term recovery, and your healthcare professional may recommend subsequent treatments depending on your needs. These include group and individual counseling, psychoeducation, behavioral therapies, disorder treatment, and continuing care. These treatments may take place in an in or outpatient setup. An inpatient setup is advisable for long-term addicts to isolate themselves from the triggers, enabling them to develop alternative behavior to drug abuse.

Common Benzodiazepine Side Effects

While benzodiazepines can treat insomnia and anxiety, prolonged use can cause addiction and serious side effects, some of which could be fatal. Therefore, only take Benzos for a short term and under your doctor’s supervision. Also, let your doctor know of other medications you are taking to prevent severe effects from adverse drug interactions. Finally, to avoid fatal withdrawal symptoms, liaise with your doctor for a gradual process and to manage the symptoms better. Your healthcare provider will assess your case and recommend treatment options to ensure a safe and comfortable withdrawal process. Depending on your severity, they will also recommend inpatient care.

About the Author:

Marlene Joseph is a passionate and creative blogger who loves to write on traveling and relationships. Her writings are focused on prevailing topics and her long term vision is to empower youth in making their decisions.

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