What is the most serious risk associated with the use of benzodiazepine?
Benzodiazepine abuse is more common than you may think. Left untreated, abusing these drugs can negatively impact your relationships, career, and your physical and emotional health. Benzodiazepines are a type of medication known as tranquilizers.
Familiar names include Valium and Xanax. They are some of the most commonly prescribed medications in the United States. When people without prescriptions
obtain and take these drugs for their sedating effects, use turns into abuse. Sometimes people who have prescriptions misuse their medications, as well. Taking too much and running out of the prescription, being overly focused on when you can take the next one and feeling you can’t live without it might also be signs of a problem. Doctors may prescribe a benzodiazepine for the following legitimate medical conditions: Benzodiazepines act on the central nervous system, produce sedation and muscle relaxation, and lower
anxiety levels. Although more than 2,000 different benzodiazepines have been produced, only about 15 are currently FDA-approved in the United States. They are usually classified by how long their effects last. Ultra-short acting -
Midazolam (Versed), triazolam
(Halcion) Short-acting - Alprazolam (Xanax), lorazepam
(Ativan) Long-acting - Chlordiazepoxide (Librium),
diazepam (Valium), Clonazepam (Klonopin) Benzodiazepines are commonly abused. This abuse is partially related to the toxic effects that they produce and also to their widespread availability. They can be chronically abused or, as seen more commonly in
hospital emergency departments, intentionally or accidentally taken in overdose. Death and serious illness rarely result from benzodiazepine abuse alone; however, they are frequently taken with either alcohol or other medications. The combination of benzodiazepines and alcohol can be dangerous -- and even lethal. Benzodiazepines have also been used as a "date rape" drug because they can markedly impair and even abolish functions that normally allow a person to resist or even want to resist
sexual aggression or assault. In recent years, the detection and conviction of people involved in this has increased dramatically. The drug is usually added to alcohol-containing drinks or even soft drinks in powder or liquid forms and can be hard to taste. Although some people may have a genetic tendency to become addicted to drugs, there is little doubt that environmental
factors also play a significant role. Some of the more common environmental influences are low socioeconomic status, unemployment, and peer pressure. At normal or regular doses, benzodiazepines relieve anxiety and
insomnia. They are usually well tolerated. Sometimes, people taking benzodiazepines may feel drowsy or dizzy. This side effect can be more pronounced with increased doses. High doses of benzodiazepines can produce more serious side effects. Signs and symptoms of acute toxicity or overdose may include the following: Signs of chronic misuse or dependence can be very nonspecific and include changes in appearance and behavior that affect relationships and work
performance. Warning signs in children include abrupt changes in mood or deterioration of school performance. Chronic misuse of benzodiazepines can lead to the following symptoms that mimic many of the indications for using them in the first place: Despite their many helpful uses, benzodiazepines can lead to physical and psychological dependence. Dependence can result in withdrawal symptoms and even seizures when they are stopped
abruptly. Dependence and withdrawal occur in only a very small percentage of people taking normal doses for short periods. The symptoms of withdrawal can be difficult to distinguish from anxiety. Symptoms usually develop anywhere from 3-4 days after last use to up to two weeks, although they can appear earlier with shorter-acting varieties. If you have any questions, you could call your doctor, but if you
are in doubt whether someone needs immediate medical attention, you should go directly to a hospital emergency department. If you are concerned that you or someone else has taken an overdose, it is very important that you seek medical help immediately. You should go to the nearest emergency department or call 911 for help. After someone takes an overdose, the effects may not become immediately obvious. It will assist the doctors if you bring the pill containers with you because it helps them determine the number and type of pills taken. The diagnosis is based on findings from your medical history, examination, and any lab tests performed. In acute ingestions, diagnosis is often obvious because you or your family can tell the doctor exactly what was taken. The diagnosis of chronic drug misuse can be much more difficult, because the suffering misuser and
their family often try to cover up or hide what is going on. The emergency department work-up of any possible toxic drug overdose consists of an initial evaluation. Doctors will assess how well you are breathing and ensure you have a normal heartbeat and rhythm. The rest of the work-up depends on you and your symptoms. The physician will ask about many of the signs and symptoms. Unless you are willing to admit that you are misusing or overusing benzodiazepines or family members are present
to help with the history, it is easy for you to cover up drug abuse. Drug abusers often deny their problem by playing down the extent of their drug use or blaming job or family stress. The most important thing that can be done at home is to recognize that there may be a problem and to seek help. Learn more about how addiction impacts families. Acute toxicity: The treatment required usually depends on what drugs were taken and how much. Often, you need only a period of evaluation in a hospital emergency department:
Chronic abuse: The treatment of chronic abuse can usually be done at home with the help of your doctor or in specific drug rehabilitation centers. The first step consists of gradual reduction of benzodiazepines to prevent withdrawal and seizures. This is often much easier than the prolonged recovery phase in which the person attempts to stay drug-free. In addition to the medical care, someone abusing these drugs often requires social support and help in finding housing and employment. The involvement of family and friends can be very helpful in this difficult stage. Learn why addiction recovery is a life-long commitment. Next Steps OutlookAlthough benzodiazepines are commonly abused, they rarely cause serious illness or death unless combined with other drugs, particularly sedating drugs such as alcohol or opioids. Consultation with poison specialists is usually unnecessary. A psychiatrist or addiction specialist, however, is often asked to interview anyone seen in the emergency department before sending the person home. This is done if there is any concern that the overdose was swallowed intentionally and that the person may be at risk of harming himself or herself or others. Inpatient treatment may be required. Valium, Xanax, Ativan, Librium, roofies, tranks, downers, benzos, goofballs, Mexican, roach, heavenly blues, valo, stupefi, date rape, anxiety, benzodiazepine abuse, drug abuse, drug overdose, medication overdose, club drugs If you or a
loved one are struggling with substance abuse, WebMD Connect to Care Advisors are standing by to help. What are the health risks of benzodiazepines?The most common side effects of benzodiazepines include:. drowsiness.. light-headedness.. confusion.. unsteadiness (especially in older people, who may fall and experience injuries). dizziness.. slurred speech.. muscle weakness.. memory problems.. Who is most at risk for misusing benzodiazepines?Use by adults ages 50–64 now exceeds use by those ages ≥65. Patients also prescribed stimulants or opioids should be monitored for benzodiazepine misuse. Improved access to behavioral interventions for sleep or anxiety may reduce some misuse.
What are the disadvantages of benzodiazepines?The risks of the benzodiazepines are well-documented and comprise psychological and physical effects. Among the former are subjective sedation, paradoxical release of anxiety and/or hostility, psychomotor impairment, memory disruption, and risks of accidents.
What is the risk to the elderly of taking benzodiazepines?Benzodiazepines can impair cognition, mobility, and driving skills in older people, as well as increase the risk of falls. A recent study also found an association between benzodiazepine use in older people and increased risk of Alzheimer's disease.
|