Benzodiazepines – types, application, dosage, side effects. Addiction to benzodiazepines

Proven content

Benzodiazepines are substances that have a wide range of effects. Depending on their structure, they can relieve anxiety, have a hypnotic or anticonvulsant effect. Doctors often give benzodiazepines as first-line drugs because they act quickly and reduce troublesome symptoms and ailments. Thanks to them, the patient begins to feel better before the specific drugs given to the disease take effect.

Benzodiazepines are administered i.a. in the treatment of neurotic, dissociative and adaptive disorders and anxiety disorders. The substance will also help patients with phobias and panic attacks. Benzodiazepines calm down and allow for the implementation of other forms of treatment, e.g. psychotherapy. Benzodiazepines can also be used during epilepsy attacks and during increased muscle tone.

Benzodiazepines – action

Benzodiazepines, also known as benzodiazepines, work by slowing the activity of the nerves in the brain and the rest of the central nervous system, thereby dissipating stress and its physical and emotional side effects.

Benzodiazepines work to increase the level of gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA) in the brain, which acts as a type of naturally occurring sedative to relieve neuronal discharges related to stress and the stress response. Benzodiazepines also increase the levels of dopamine in the brain, which is a messenger chemical associated with the areas of the brain responsible for the pleasure and reward effects. The brain can learn to expect regular doses of benzoin after a few weeks of taking them, and therefore stop working on producing these chemicals on its own without them.

See also: Magic pill for anxiety and insomnia. Millions of addicted to benzodiazepines

Benzodiazepines – application

When used individually, benzodiazepines are used for the short-term treatment of anxiety disorders or insomnia. They can also be part of the clinical treatment of anxiety, insomnia, mild seizures and spasticity. Benzodiazepines will also help to combat troublesome symptoms caused by neuroleptics, such as muscle tremors.

Benzodiazepines have properties that make them useful in the treatment of many ailments. They can have a relaxant and anticonvulsant effect, as well as sedative (relaxing), hypnotic (induce sleep) and anxiolytic.

Indications for the use of benzodiazepines

1. The symptoms of alcohol withdrawal (withdrawal syndrome), especially agitation and restlessness, can sometimes be alleviated by a short-term treatment with benzodiazepines, although the response may vary from person to person. Due to the risk of drug addiction, benzodiazepines are usually prescribed for no more than a few weeks.
2. Certain types of seizures can sometimes be effectively controlled with clonozepam, diazepam or lorazepam. Clonozepam offers a stronger anticonvulsant effect, while diazepam works faster. Diazepam has the longest duration of action, while clonozepam and lorazepam are considered to be benzodiazepines of medium duration.
3. Generalized anxiety disorder (GAD) and other anxiety disorders can be treated with benzodiazepines, although they are less effective in achieving long-term control. They should not be used for more than two to four weeks due to the risk of addiction.
4. Insomnia can be relieved for a short time with benzodiazepines, but they can cause rebound insomnia if overused. Long-term use must be strictly avoided.
5. Panic disorder can be effectively treated with benzodiazepines as they can relieve anxiety symptoms much faster than antidepressants. This can be an important factor for those who experience severe or debilitating panic attacks.

Other uses include inducing calmness prior to surgery or medical treatment, and treating muscle spasms, irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), and abnormal sleep patterns.

Benzodiazepines used for a short time show high efficiency and no toxic effects. Importantly, they allow you to quickly eliminate ailments, and the relief comes almost immediately.

Benzodiazepines – addiction

Patients taking benzodiazepines often report that these substances have a mild euphoric effect. Moreover, with prolonged use, there are signs of tolerance, which means that the dose of benzodiazepines must be increased to maintain the obtained effect.

Cross-tolerance is also associated with the use of benzodiazepines, which means that even after switching to another drug containing benzodiazepines, the dose of the drug must also be increased.

Before we reach for benzodiazepines, it is worth knowing that these substances are highly addictive. Used without clear indications, they can lead to addiction. Therefore, they should not be used for too long or in too high doses. People prone to addiction should also give up on them. Such people may use them to make them feel euphoric (or high) or mix them with other stimulants such as cocaine, amphetamines, and ecstasy to “have a break”.

Therefore, they are not drugs suitable for people addicted to alcohol, who have a passive-dependent personality and those who do not look for other, permanent solutions to their problems. The risks associated with the use of benzodiazepines in their case are very high.

The dose for such a patient will be gradually reduced to minimize some of the deeper withdrawal symptoms:

1. abdominal cramps;
2. an altered sense of reality;
3. zakłopotania i disorientacji?
4. depression;
5. Hallucinations;
6. increased sensitivity to light, pain, and / or sound;
7. insomnia;
8. irritability;
9. muscle spasms;
10. nausea and vomiting;
11. nervousness;
12. paranoia;
13. profuse sweating;
14. seizures and convulsions;
15. tachycardia (fast heart rate);
16. tingling, burning or “crawling” sensations;
17. tremors.

If a patient becomes addicted to benzodiazepines, treatment is very difficult and lengthy. It may take many months.

Benzodiazepines – types

There are many types of drugs on sale that contain benzodiazepines. They differ in strength and duration of the effect. When choosing a drug, the doctor pays attention mainly to the half-life and action profile, which determines the therapeutic effect.

Some types of drugs with benzodiazepines are very hypnotic (such as Estazolam), and others will help to control epilepsy (such as Clonazepam). If the doctor wants to alleviate the patient’s fears, he may, however, prescribe, for example, Prazepam. Universal action is demonstrated, for example, by Diazepam.

The duration of action of benzodiazepines also varies greatly, and short-acting drugs are the most commonly recommended. They do not lead to a feeling of heaviness, and the next day the patient feels well and functions normally.

The most commonly prescribed benzodiazepines and conditions that are typically prescribed for treatment include:

1. Xanax (alprazolam) treats anxiety disorders and panic disorder and sometimes agoraphobia (fear of open space), depression and PMS.
2. Clonazepamum (clonazepam) treats panic attacks and seizures.
3. Valium (diazepam) is used to treat anxiety, seizures, muscle cramps, and alcohol withdrawal, as well as IBS and panic attacks.
4. Lorazepam is prescribed primarily for anxiety conditions, but it can also be used for seizures, IBS, insomnia, alcohol withdrawal, and to relieve nausea and vomiting in people being treated for cancer.
5. Triazolam is used for the short-term treatment of insomnia.

Other benzodiazepines and medical conditions that are commonly prescribed for treatment include:

1. Ttemazepam, estazolam, and flurazepam are short-term medications for insomnia.
2. Midazolam is usually used in children before medical or surgical procedures.
3. Librium (chlordiazepoxide) treats anxiety and alcohol withdrawal, as well as IBS.
4. Tranxene (clorazepan) is used to treat anxiety and alcohol withdrawal, and may be prescribed along with other medications to control seizures.
5. Oxazepam treats anxiety, alcohol withdrawal and IBS.

Long-acting drugs can be used less frequently, even once a day. Short-acting drugs require more frequent use. When choosing a drug, one should pay attention to the individual tolerance as well as the patient’s reaction to the drug and possible side effects.

Benzodiazepines – side effects

Common side effects

Most of the side effects of benzodiazepines are related to central nervous system depressant effects. Common side effects depend on the medications you are taking, but generally include the items below.

1. Constipation;
2. Confusion;
3. Depression;
4. Diarrhea;
5. Somnolence;
6. Dry mouth;
7. Erectile dysfunction;
8. Tiredness;
9. Headaches;
10. Motor and coordination disorders;
11. Irritability;
12. Loss of appetite or increased appetite;
13. Low libido;
14. Muscle weakness;
15. Short-term memory loss and cognitive impairment.

Long term side effects

Long-term use of benzodiazepines may cause an increase in side effects, and in some cases the so-called the paradoxical effect of drugs, which means that you may experience the opposite reaction to the drug than before. Some of these paradoxical effects of drugs can adversely affect your mood and behavior, causing you to change your perception of yourself, your surroundings, or your relationship with others. Long-term side effects can include:

1. acute anxiety;
2. agoraphobia (fear of open spaces or public spaces);
3. anhedonia (inability to feel pleasure);
4. depression;
5. inability to think coherently;
6. loss of libido;
7. social phobias.

Also check: Are you afraid to speak at the meeting? It heals

Benzodiazepines – interactions with other agents

Benzodiazepines Not only can they be addictive, but there are also many substances that can interact with benzodiazepines and cause accidental overdose or even death.

Alcoholic and opioid analgesics (opoids), which also act as CNS depressants, can greatly enhance the effects of benzodiazepines. Together, these drugs can slow the breathing and heart rate to the point where they can stop the cheese and the lungs from working completely.

Due to this potentially life-threatening outcome, benzodiazepines should not be taken with alcohol, opioids, or other benzodiazepines unless your doctor decides that the benefits outweigh the risks in your particular situation.

Also, be sure to tell your doctor about all medications, vitamins, supplements, and herbal products you are taking before taking benzodiazepines. Some of them can also cause serious interactions. Your doctor may change the dose or monitor you closely while you are taking benzodiazepines.

Some of the other drugs and herbs that can interact with benzodiazepines

1. Antidepressant;
2. Antihistamines;
3. Anticonvulsants;
4. Certain antifungal agents;
5. Certain antibiotics;
6. Opioid cough medicine;
7. Other sedatives;
8. St. John’s wort.

See also: Deadly interactions

Benzodiazepines – overdose

Potential symptoms of a benzodiazepine overdose include:

1. altered mental state;
2. coma;
3. somnolence;
4. problems with balancing, walking or swallowing;
5. slurred speech;
6. breathing problems, especially if you have taken another substance with benzodiazepines.

If we think someone has overdosed on a benzodiazepine, see a doctor as soon as possible. If the person has fallen, has seizures, is unable to breathe without difficulty, or is unconscious, call an ambulance for immediate emergency care.

See also: Pharmacological coma – what is it? How is a patient put into a pharmacological coma? [WE EXPLAIN]

Benzodiazepines – precautions

There are circumstances and conditions under which the use of benzodiazepines should be carefully considered and even avoided.

1. Breastfeeding: Benzodiazepines pass into breast milk and may cause symptoms in the baby and should therefore be avoided if possible during breastfeeding.
2. Depression and / or Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD): If you’ve been diagnosed with depression or post-traumatic stress disorder, be aware that benzodiazepine use may increase your risk of self-harm and suicide, as well as drastic changes in your mood.
3. Elderly: In people 65 years of age or older, benzodiazepines should be used with caution and in lower doses because of the increased risk of addiction and an increased sensitivity to drug side effects such as memory loss, impaired coordination and loss of cognitive function.
4. Pregnancy: Benzodiazepines can harm an unborn baby (reported problems in children include: cleft palate, heart problems, dyslexia, dyspraxia, autism, ADHD, or withdrawal symptoms). Tell your doctor if you are pregnant, plan to become pregnant, or if you become pregnant while taking benzodiazepines.
5. Respiratory disease: If we have a respiratory disease, we should not use benzodiazepines as they can impair breathing, sometimes critically. Examples of respiratory diseases include bronchitis, sleep apnea, myasthenia gravis, and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD).

See also: More pandemic suicide attempts. Including 24 concerning children

Benzodiazepines – who is prescribing?

Benzodiazepines are prescribed not only by psychiatrists, because a prescription for benzodiazepines can also be obtained, for example, from a family doctor. For people with anxiety disorders, it is recommended to see a psychiatrist, while for short-term sleep problems, a visit to the GP should suffice.

See also: Free teleportation of a family doctor at the National Health Fund. Check how it works

Benzodiazepines and Long-Term Effects on the Brain

Coupled with the possibility of becoming mentally and physically dependent on them, benzodiazepines can also interfere with cognition and memory when used regularly over long periods of time. Benzodiazepines are believed to particularly interfere with visual-spatial abilities, processing speed, and verbal learning abilities, as published in the Journal of Clinical Psychiatry.

Visual-spatial skills refer to the way an individual sees, processes, and understands where objects are in relation to other things. Processing speed is how simple tasks can be performed automatically after learning them, and verbal learning skills are related to speech and language.

Fortunately, many of the changes introduced by benzodiazepines in various areas of the brain after prolonged use can be reversed after an extended period of time free from these drugs.

Benzodiazepines and the elderly

A study published by the British Medical Journal (BMJ) found an association between benzodiazepine use and Alzheimer’s disease, a form of dementia involving the formation of short-term memory loss. It was further explained by Harvard Health Publications that people taking benzodiazepines for over six months had an increased risk of dementia (up to 84 percent higher) than those who did not take benzodiazepines. Long-acting benzodiazepines like Valium were also more likely to increase this risk than shorter-acting benzodiazepines like Ativan or Xanax. Although benzodiazepines are sedatives that cause short-term amnesia in some cases, these changes may not be completely reversible and the risk appears to increase with age.

Benzodiazepines are increasingly prescribed to the elderly. While the general population saw a prescription rate of around 5% in 2008, more than 8,5 percent of people aged 65 to 80 were taking at least one benzodiazepine drug during this time, according to the journal JAMA Psychiatry. Many of these prescriptions were also for long-term benzodiazepines, increasing potential negative cognitive and memory deficits.

As you age, your metabolism slows down. Since benzodiazepines are stored in fat cells, they can stay active in an older person longer than in a younger person, increasing their effects and the risk of side effects due to the higher dosages. Benzodiazepines have been shown to impair driving ability, increase falls, and disrupt cognition in the elderly population, the National Institute of Mental Health (NIMH) found. As a result, they should be used with caution in this population.