Author: Charles Frank

Benzodiazepine use, misuse, and abuse: A review

Common benzodiazepines used for GAD include alprazolam, clonazepam, diazepam, and lorazepam. Mirtazapine (Remeron) and buspirone are also effective in GAD for patients who do not respond to at least two trials of SSRIs or SNRIs. Long-term use of benzodiazepines for GAD should be avoided, when possible, due to addictive risk.

Always consult your healthcare provider to ensure the information displayed on this page applies to your personal circumstances. They act on specific receptors in the brain, called gamma-aminobutyric acid-A (GABA-A) receptors. Benzodiazepines attach to these receptors and make the nerves in the brain less sensitive to stimulation, which has a calming effect. Examples of Schedule V drugs include antidiarrheals, antitussives (cough medicine), and analgesics (pain relievers). It is still critical to give naloxone, since it temporarily reverses the effects of opioids and can restore breathing, even if you remain unconscious.

Can I have withdrawal from benzodiazepines?

Benzodiazepines are a class of medications that work in the central nervous system and are used for a variety of medical conditions, such as anxiety, seizures, and for alcohol withdrawal. Benzodiazepines work by blocking excessive activity of nerves in the brain and other areas in the central nervous system. The CSA mandates that manufacturers, distributors, pharmacies and healthcare providers diligently ensure the safe and efficient delivery of controlled substances identified within five schedules under the Act.

Remember that drug prices are subject to change at any time and may differ among pharmacies. Shorter-acting drugs produce a brief and more intense withdrawal reaction that usually begins within 24 hours of discontinuation. Longer-acting benzodiazepines have a slower development of withdrawal symptoms that typically begin several days after discontinuation, but peak at about 7 days.

You can do this in a treatment facility or hospital, or at home with the help of your doctor. Benzodiazepines, sometimes called benzos, are a type of medication known as tranquilizers. These drugs slow down your central nervous system, cause sedation and muscle relaxation, and lower anxiety levels. Often used to treat anxiety or insomnia, they’re some of the most commonly prescribed medications in the U.S. But they can be addictive, especially if you take them every day or use them long-term.

Schedule II

How long they take to start working, and how long their effects last, can vary from drug to drug. Benzodiazepines are used recreationally for their mood-boosting effects. But some people crush them and smoke, snort, or even inject the drug.

Herbal and grapefruit interactions

In those without co-existing conditions such as depression or a history of substance abuse, benzodiazepines may be used cautiously for a short period of time. Because benzodiazepines have a higher risk for misuse and can be habit-forming, healthcare providers tend to prescribe them cautiously. They may prescribe them only for use as needed, not daily, and they may prescribe lower doses or pick benzodiazepines that aren’t as strong. Your healthcare provider can explain their recommendations for your treatment, including the timeline for which treatments you receive and why. Past measures to reduce and restrict benzodiazepines were implemented in New York in 1989 in the form of triplicate prescriptions. The prescriber, pharmacy, and the state each received or retained one copy.

If you have health insurance, your insurer can give you a list of providers and facilities covered by your plan. At regular doses, benzodiazepines help to relieve anxiety and insomnia. Users of heroin and other opioids sometimes take them to boost their highs.

Panic disorders

Alcohol can interact with these drugs, causing dangerous side effects or complications. There may be other circumstances where you shouldn’t take benzodiazepines with certain foods or beverages. Your healthcare provider can answer questions about whether to change what you eat or drink while taking these medications.

Conditions

Some benzodiazepines (diazepam, chlordiazepoxide) have active metabolites that remain in the system for an extended period (long-acting), and this can be problematic for patients, especially older patients. Elderly patients may have liver impairment and trouble eliminating the drugs from their system. Side effects, such as dizziness, confusion or unsteadiness may persist in the elderly who are prescribed long-acting benzodiazepines. Overall, benzodiazepines should be used short-term as they can lead to tolerance, abuse, dependence (addiction), withdrawal and possible fatal overdose when combined with opioids.

  1. In these cases, offenders may dissolve the drug in a person’s drink without their knowledge.
  2. Drugs and other substances that fall into Schedule I classification are seen to have the highest potential for abuse.
  3. If you stop taking benzodiazepines for a few days and then start again at the same dose, you may increase your chances of an overdose.
  4. Legally manufactured forms of benzodiazepine are classified as schedule IV drugs in the U.S.
  5. Stringent requirements impeded access for appropriate medical use.53-56 Health care providers and lawmakers must be cautious when implementing laws and strategies to tackle prescription drug abuse to avoid hindering appropriate care.

The benzodiazepine hypnotics shorten the time it takes to fall asleep and prolong the sleeping period. The main differences exist in how long they might remain in the body, possibly leading to prolonged side effects. For example, lorazepam has a much shorter duration than diazepam, allowing quicker clearance of the drug and theoretically less side effects. On the other hand, diazepam can remain in the system for days and boost the risk for long-term side effects, especially in the elderly.