Side Effects of Benzodiazepines
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Say you have a problem with sleeping. Insomnia is making it impossible to fall asleep or stay asleep and you are at your wit’s end. You call your doctor and make an appointment as anyone would do with a medical problem. He prescribes you a medication you have never heard of, something called a benzodiazepine. You trust your doctor so you take it as prescribed and finally start getting quality sleep. After a couple of months, the medicine doesn’t seem to be helping as much. The doctor prescribes you a higher dose and you go about your life getting sleep again. One day you are exhausted from work and decide to take your medicine right when you get home to have an early evening. But instead of falling asleep, you feel euphoric and warm and want to stay awake to enjoy this new feeling. Before you know it, what was once your sleeping medicine is now your go-to just to get through each day. Just like that, you have become dependent on benzodiazepines.
Drug use and mental health conditions are prevalent in New Hampshire adults. Between 2017 and 2019, 9.1% of people reported having substance use disorder. Also in that time frame, 49.2% of adults over 18 reported seeking medical treatment for any mental illness. Still, 4.9% reported having serious thoughts of suicide.
What are Benzodiazepines?
A benzodiazepine, also known as a benzo, is a medication normally used to treat sleep disorders, seizures, and anxiety. Most people who are prescribed benzos are often using them for a short-term period. Common benzos most people have heard of include Valium, Ativan, and Xanax. These medications enter and exit the body quickly compared to other medications.
How Benzodiazepines work?
Benzodiazepines work by using neurotransmitters in the brain. Specifically, they enhance the action of gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA) which slows the central nervous system. The effect is a calming sensation that reduces the symptoms of anxiety. This effect can also aid in treating muscle spasms and stopping seizures. Also, people with insomnia can be prescribed benzos as they can experience better, more restful sleep.
Side Effects of Benzodiazepines
As with any medication, there are side effects to benzos. Some common short-term side effects include:
- Drowsiness or confusion
- Difficulty remembering events that took place while on the medication
- Light-headedness
- Vision changes such as blurred vision
- Slower movements
In some instances, people have noticed trembling or headaches while taking benzos, however; these are less common side effects.
Benzodiazepines do carry the risk of becoming addictive. This is because the lifespan of the medications is short. It can take only 30 minutes to feel the effects of the medicine and it can leave the body in a matter of hours. This causes feelings of withdrawal, requiring the person to take more to stop those effects. Long-term use of benzos can have negative side effects both physically and mentally.
- Increase in anxiety symptoms
- Depression
- Irritability or aggression
- Headaches
- Nausea
- Weakness
- Memory problems
Who are Benzodiazepines for?
Benzos can be very effective for people struggling to handle anxiety or insomnia. When taken as prescribed and managed by a healthcare professional, benzos have proven to be helpful to many. However, for those who already struggle with substance use, benzos are not suggested due to the addictive qualities the medications have. Benzos work similarly to alcohol and produce some of the same effects. Many people associate drinking alcohol with social settings to cope with anxiety. Benzo use has also been linked with social settings for the same reasons.
Despite the addictive qualities of benzodiazepines, only 17.1% of people taking benzos reported misusing them between 2015-2016. Of those people, less than 2% had benzodiazepine use disorder. Even with such a low rate of misuse, it is imperative to consult a doctor with any concerns about starting a benzodiazepine. Baseline psychiatric exams are recommended when starting a benzodiazepine and continued monitoring during the course of treatment.
Most people who misuse benzos do not get them prescribed by a doctor. The most common reasons people started misusing these medications included wanting to feel relaxed and relieve stress although some people reported they were just experimenting
Withdrawals and Overdose with Benzos
Withdrawals of medications can be unpleasant and cause an increase in use to avoid symptoms. Nausea and vomiting are common withdrawal symptoms of benzos, but dizziness, irritability, and trembling can also be present. More severe symptoms include seizures and hallucinations. When stopping benzo, talk with your doctor about tapering off the medication to avoid withdrawal symptoms and stop the medication safely.
Overdose of benzodiazepines is not often fatal, however; as with most substances it can be fatal when mixed. Some signs of overdose include:
- Shallow breathing
- Mood swings
- Unconsciousness
If you suspect an overdose seek medical attention as soon as possible. One of the most common drugs mixed with benzos is opioids which increases the risks of overdose. Make sure to be upfront about the substances the person is using and be as accurate as possible to help them treat accordingly.
It is important to note that in New Hampshire, there is no fear of legal trouble when seeking treatment for an overdose. The Good Samaritan Law allows anyone to get medical attention for a drug overdose and protects against any conviction for possessing a controlled substance. This includes not only the person who has overdosed but also the person or people who called 911 or brought them to the hospital. The law covers everyone and does not have an age exemption. However, the law does not protect against the lawful seizure of a controlled substance or an arrest made for possession of a controlled substance. This law was passed in 2015 in hopes to prevent drug overdoses due to the fear of being arrested or convicted of a drug-related crime.
Treatment of Benzodiazepine Use Disorder at Addiction Recovery Services New Hampshire
Most adults and youth struggling with benzodiazepine use disorder will need assistance on the road to recovery. The first step is communicating with the person and finding out what help they may need.
At Addiction Recovery Services New Hampshire, the goal is to treat each person as an individual. Located in Greenland, New Hampshire, the benzo treatment team’s priority is finding out which options work on an individual level. Cognitive behavioral and dialectical behavioral therapy are both integral parts of the treatment process at Addiction Recovery Services New Hampshire. Programs are flexible and can work around work and school schedules. Examples include:
- Outpatient Care – program outline is therapy and education 3 hours a day, four days a week, for a total of five weeks. However, each individual is assessed and if more time is needed then treatment can be extended. Medication-assisted treatment or MAT is also an option.
- Dual Diagnosis – Addiction Recovery Services New Hampshire also has trained professionals who diagnose and treat mental health conditions as well as substance use disorders.
Benzodiazepine use disorder is serious and can feel overwhelming. If you or someone you know is struggling, please call us at 978-228-5853. Our staff is always ready to talk and make you feel like yourself again.
FAQs
How do benzodiazepines work?
Benzodiazepines work by slowing the central nervous system using neurotransmitters in the brain.
Who are benzodiazepines not recommended for?
Anyone who has struggled with substance use disorder in the past is not recommended to take benzodiazepines. Specifically, people who have struggled with alcohol. Psychiatric evaluations are encouraged during the initial and continued use of benzos.
When to seek medical care?
If you feel you cannot stop taking your medication even when you want to, talk to your doctor. Also, if you suspect an overdose seek medical attention immediately.