Doctors often prescribe them to treat anxiety, seizures, and insomnia. 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 :. 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.
Benzodiazepines alter the activity of the neurons that trigger stress and anxiety reactions. The type of benzodiazepine will determine the potential uses. Doctors may also prescribe these drugs off-label for various other conditions and issues, including:. Benzodiazepines work by enhancing the effect of 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. 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:. The side effects of benzodiazepine use may include :. More serious effects include:.
Not all people taking benzodiazepines long-term develop a dependency, but the risk increases the longer a person has been taking the drug.
Dependence can develop within a few weeks to months of continuous use. Dependence means that people will experience withdrawal symptoms when cutting down or stopping their benzodiazepine dose. If two or more of these statements apply to a person, he or she can seek further information from a GP, another health professional or contact Reconnexion.
Reconnexion is a not-for-profit organisation providing counselling and support for people dependent on benzodiazepines.
People who have been taking benzodiazepines for many years can have symptoms of withdrawal most of the time, even when they have not reduced the dose. Often they are unaware that their poor physical and mental health is related to their long-term use of benzodiazepines. Not everyone who cuts down or stops taking benzodiazepines has withdrawal symptoms and the experience of withdrawal varies from person to person. Some people have a few weeks of discomfort only, while others experience severe symptoms, often for months on end.
The range and severity of symptoms can often take people by surprise and for many, the intensity of benzodiazepine withdrawal can be overwhelming. Usually, the length of time a person has been taking benzodiazepines, or the amount he or she has been taking, will determine the time it takes for withdrawal symptoms to pass. Slowly reducing the dose of the drug minimises the severity of withdrawal symptoms. Improvement occurs gradually, with more symptom-free days occurring and symptoms reducing in severity and number.
Once through the withdrawal period, most people recover completely. For a variety of reasons, many people find that they have been taking benzodiazepines for a lot longer than the period recommended as being safe. In consultation with a GP, a reduction program can be developed to reduce the benzodiazepine dose by small amounts, thus minimising withdrawal symptoms.
It's possible to have a withdrawal seizure or fit as a result of doing so. If a person stops taking benzodiazepines suddenly, they can be overwhelmed with severe withdrawal symptoms. It is generally recommended that people who are taking benzodiazepines and who wish to come off the drug should reduce the dose by small amounts on a weekly or fortnightly basis, on the advice of their doctor — even if after only a few weeks of benzodiazepine use.
Sticking to a plan to reduce benzodiazepines slowly allows the body and mind to adjust to each level and gradually return to normal. Australian Medicines Handbook Adelaide: Australian Medicines Handbook. The treatment of anxiety disorders: clinician guides and patient manuals. Current Opinion in Psychiatry — Sign up below for regular emails filled with information, advice and support for you or your loved ones.
Benzodiazepines Benzodiazepines are a class of drug commonly known as minor tranquillisers and sleeping pills. How do benzodiazepines work? Benzodiazepines and anxiety Research shows that psychological therapies such as cognitive behaviour therapy CBT are the most effective in helping people with anxiety conditions. Benzodiazepines and older people In addition to the risks of dependency, when older people take benzodiazepines long-term, they are vulnerable to problems including: over-sedation increased risk of falls impaired blood pressure regulation exacerbation of respiratory conditions nocturnal incontinence problems thinking clearly.
Benzodiazepines and sleep Benzodiazepines can be useful, occasionally, to induce sleep, but they have a limited role in helping people with established sleep problems. Benzodiazepines and side effects Benzodiazepines are generally safe to use. The side effects associated with benzodiazepines abate once the effects of the drugs wear off.
When used as a treatment for insomnia, you may notice lingering feelings of daytime drowsiness the following day. If these or other side effects arise and continue to be bothersome, talk to your healthcare provider.
It is also important to note that this class of medications carries an FDA black box warning noting the serious risks of abuse, addiction, physical dependence, and withdrawal. Even when taken at prescribed doses, benzodiazepines can lead to physical dependence, and abruptly stopping their use can lead to serious withdrawal reactions, including seizures. When used as directed, benzodiazepines are generally safe and effective.
However, overdose events have been reported with benzodiazepines alone or in combination with alcohol or other drugs. These events can be potentially life-threatening. Benzodiazepines have the potential for physical dependence when used for long periods of time, especially at high doses.
They can also be psychologically addictive in some individuals. Studies have shown that people who take benzodiazepines over a long period of time may develop tolerance that reduces the therapeutic benefits. If tolerance occurs, larger doses of benzodiazepines may be needed to bring about desired results.
Long-term use of benzodiazepines may result in physical dependence and withdrawal symptoms if the medication is stopped or decreased suddenly. Withdrawal symptoms may include:. Again, do not discontinue or decrease your benzodiazepine medication without consulting your doctor.
It may be necessary to decrease your dosage slowly to avoid withdrawal complications. Anxiety is a treatable condition and benzodiazepines are just one way to relieve symptoms. If you have symptoms of an anxiety disorder, work with your doctor to find the treatment that works best for you. Learn the best ways to manage stress and negativity in your life.
Treatment of anxiety disorders. Dialogues Clin Neurosci. Balon R, Starcevic V. Role of benzodiazepines in anxiety disorders. Adv Exp Med Biol. Department of Justice Drug Enforcement Administration. Drugs of abuse, a DEA resource guid e. FDA requiring boxed warning updated to improve safe use of benzodiazepine drug class. Updated October 2, Vinkers CH, Olivier B. Mechanisms underlying tolerance after long-term benzodiazepine use: A future for subtype-selective GABA A receptor modulators?
Adv Pharmacol Sci. National Institute of Mental Health. Mental health medications. Updated October Your Privacy Rights. To change or withdraw your consent choices for VerywellMind.
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