Benzodiazepines
Benzodiazepines
Benzodiazepines (or benzos) are depressant drugs which slow down the messages between the brain and the body. Benzos include a group of nervous system depressants prescribed for the short term treatment of stress, anxiety or insomnia. They are also known as ‘minor tranquillisers’ and sedatives (or sleeping pills).
Benzodiazepines are available on prescription in Australia and should only be used under a doctor’s supervision. They can be highly addictive and can cause overdose, particularly when used with alcohol or other drugs, and should not be used long term.
What are benzodiazepines?
Benzodiazepines are medicines that are only available on prescription from a doctor. They are usually a short-term treatment to help calm the
nervous system
and promote sleep.
Benzodiazepines may be prescribed to:
treat the symptoms of
anxiety disorders
relieve insomnia
help with treatment of symptoms experienced by cancer patients
control
epilepsy
help relax muscles during certain medical procedures (such as
endoscopy
)
treat
alcohol
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withdrawal.
Types of benzodiazepines
There are three types of benzodiazepines – long-acting, intermediate and short-acting. Short-acting medications tend to be more addictive and have a stronger withdrawal and ‘come down’ effect. They are made by different companies and sold under various brand names.
Pharmaceutical names
Generic name
Brand name
Type
diazepam
Ducene®, Valium®
Long-acting
oxazepam
Alepam®, Murelax®, Serepax®
Short-acting
nitrazepam
Alodorm®, Mogadon®
Intermediate-acting
temazepam
Euhypnos®, Normison®
Short-acting
alprazolam
Xanax®, Kalma®, Alprax®
Short-acting
How benzodiazepines work
Benzodiazepines are central nervous system depressants, which means they slow down the messages between the brain and the body. They only treat symptoms of
anxiety
or
insomnia
, and do not solve the underlying causes of these conditions.
Benzodiazepines can be highly addictive, whether they are taken under medical supervision or used recreationally.
Benzodiazepines are a small part of treatment
It is generally recommended that benzodiazepines only be used for a short term – just days or weeks at a time.
They are a small part of overall treatment for
stress
, anxiety or insomnia and used with other treatments that provide longer term solutions, including:
psychological therapies
- such as
cognitive behaviour therapy (CBT)
techniques to
lower stress levels
(such as relaxation or breathing exercises)
techniques to build
self-esteem
lifestyle changes (such as
eating healthily
or incorporating
physical activity
into your day)
structured problem solving.
Recreational use of benzodiazepines
Some people take benzodiazepines illegally for recreational use. They may use them to feel a sense of euphoria (or high) or use them after taking stimulants (
cocaine
,
amphetamines
,
ecstasy
) to help with the ‘come down’.
Benzodiazepines can be dangerous when mixed with other drugs (including
alcohol
) and can put you at risk of
overdose
or harm.
Some people may give them to others intentionally or without their consent (such as
spiking their drink
).
In Victoria, it is against the law to use benzodiazepines without a prescription or to give or sell them to someone else.
How benzodiazepines affect the body
The effects of benzodiazepines depend on the strength of the dose, the physical make-up of the person taking them and their state of mind.
Common effects of benzodiazepines include:
relief from anxiety
euphoria
confusion
headache
dry mouth
blurred vision
nausea
impaired coordination
muscle relaxation
sleepiness
a sense of being disconnected or detached from reality
dizziness
diarrhoea
or
constipation
loss of inhibitions.
Long-term effects of benzodiazepines
Using benzodiazepines on a regular basis can lead to significant health problems, including:
impaired thinking or memory loss
anxiety and
depression
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irritability,
paranoia
and aggression
personality change
weakness, lethargy and lack of motivation
drowsiness, sleepiness and fatigue
difficulty sleeping or disturbing dreams
headaches
nausea
skin rashes and weight gain
addiction
withdrawal symptoms.
Benzodiazepines and pregnancy
There is a risk that benzodiazepines can be harmful to babies. If you are
pregnant
or
breastfeeding
, it is best to avoid them. Be guided by your doctor and health team.
Store benzodiazepines securely
As benzodiazepines can be highly addictive, they should only be used under medical supervision.
If you are prescribed benzodiazepines, store them
safely and securely
and never allow others to use them.
Benzodiazepine overdose
Overdoses are usually characterised by slow, shallow breathing which may lead to unconsciousness, coma and potentially death.
This is more common if benzodiazepines are combined with other drugs such as alcohol, painkillers, certain types of antidepressants or antihistamines, and opioids like
heroin
.
Always check with your GP or pharmacist if you can safely use benzodiazepines with other medications. Overdose symptoms include:
over-sedation or sleep
nausea, slurred speech
problems thinking, concentrating and with memory
jitteriness and excitability
mood swings and aggression
slow, shallow breathing
unconsciousness or coma
death (more likely when taken with another drug such as alcohol).
If you suspect an overdose, call triple zero (000) for an ambulance immediately.
Ambulance officers don’t need to involve the police.
Benzodiazepine dependence and tolerance
Taking benzodiazepines regularly may not only lead to physical dependence (addiction), but can also lead to psychological dependence where people may feel they need the drug to cope with daily life.
After only a short amount of time, a person can develop a tolerance, which means they need to take larger and larger doses to achieve the same effect. Some people may begin to experience tolerance after only a few days. Over time, the body comes to depend on benzodiazepines to function.
Withdrawal from benzodiazepines
Withdrawal symptoms vary from person to person and are different depending on the type of benzodiazepine being taken.
Always withdraw from benzodiazepines slowly, over a period of time, under medical supervision.
Someone who suddenly stops taking benzodiazepines after a prolonged period of use can put themselves at risk of serious withdrawal symptoms, such as seizures.
Symptoms can last from a few weeks to a year and may include:
headaches
aching or twitching muscles
dizziness and tremors
nausea, vomiting and stomach pains
bizarre dreams, difficulty sleeping and fatigue
poor concentration
anxiety and irritability
altered perception and heightening of senses
delusions, hallucinations and paranoia
seizures.
Treating benzodiazepine dependence
Treatment options for drug dependence may include detoxification, individual counselling and group therapy.
See your doctor for information and referral, or contact an alcohol and drug service – call
DrugInfo
External Link
on
1300 85 85 84
to find the appropriate referral for you.
Where to get help
If an overdose is suspected, call triple zero (000) for an ambulance immediately
Your
GP (doctor)
Alcohol and Drug Foundation (ADF)
Path2help
External Link
– resources to assist people looking for ways to support their loved ones who use alcohol and/or other drugs
Alcohol and other drug services
Reconnexion
External Link
– support and information for tranquilliser dependency Tel.
(03) 9809 8200
or
1300 273 266
Mon to Fri 9 am to 5 pm
DrugInfo
External Link
Tel.
1300 85 85 84
–information and referral services for anyone seeking help for alcohol or drug use
DirectLine
External Link
Tel.
1800 888 236
– for 24-hour confidential drug and alcohol telephone counselling, information and referral
Counselling
Online
External Link
– for online counselling and referral
Your community health service
Youth Drug and Alcohol Advice
service
External Link
(YoDAA), Victoria Tel.
(03) 9415 8881
(9am to 5pm, Monday to Friday)
Family Drug
Help
External Link
Tel.
1300 660 068
– for information and support for people concerned about a relative or friend using drugs