Benzodiazepines: Uses, Side Effects, Interactions & Warnings

Many traditional benzodiazepines are broken down in the liver and when combined with drugs that block this action, blood levels can rise, leading to side effects. Lorazepam, oxazepam and temazepam are less likely to have this risk due to fewer liver enzyme interactions. Clonazepam is the benzodiazepine most frequently used for long-term control and prevention of chronic seizure disorders; however, in general benzodiazepines benzodiazepine withdrawal are not usually the first choice for seizure prevention. Benzodiazepines may be used at the beginning of therapy to lessen symptoms while the antidepressants take effect, which may take 4 to 6 weeks. Benzodiazepines such as clonazepam (Klonopin), lorazepam (Ativan), diazepam (Valium) and alprazolam (Xanax) are useful for panic attacks. They are safe when used as directed and often bring quick relief from panic symptoms.

What Is Diazepam?

The study followed nearly 9,000 older adults for six years after they began using the medication for insomnia or anxiety. The findings suggested that those who used benzos were 51 percent more likely to develop dementia, and the risk increased the longer the drugs were used (1). Some side effects of lorazepam may occur that usually do not need medical attention. These side effects may go away during treatment as your body adjusts to the medicine.

• However, elderly patients are more likely to have unwanted effects (eg, severe drowsiness or unsteadiness) and age-related kidney, liver, or heart problems, which may require caution and an adjustment in the dose.
• As protocol dictates, they may also be administered rectally, intranasally, and IM.
• The ultimate concern is that such fetuses will later be susceptible to autism, learning difficulties, attention deficit disorder, and general hyperactivity [24].
• Prescription bottles and their labels will reveal if an individual has different prescriptions from different doctors, filled by different pharmacies within the same timeframe.
• Do not take more of it, do not take it more often, and do not take it for a longer time than your doctor ordered.

Can you get addicted to benzodiazepines?

• In their analysis of six retrospective studies, half of them showed no significant relationship between BZD use and mortality.
• MISUSE OF DIAZEPAM CAN CAUSE ADDICTION, OVERDOSE, OR DEATH, especially in a child or other person using the medicine without a prescription.
• Some withdrawal symptoms may last up to 12 months or longer after stopping this medicine suddenly.

Descriptions of studies performed on specific treatments of benzodiazepine dependence and withdrawal symptoms. Rohypnol (flunitrazepam) is an intermediate-acting benzodiazepine with general properties similar to those of Valium (diazepam). It not available legally in the U.S., although it can be found legally in other countries where it is used for the treatment of insomnia and as a pre-anesthetic. Rohypnol is used illegally to lessen the depression caused by the abuse of stimulants, such as cocaine and methamphetamine, and in cases of sexual assault where is induces memory loss in the victim. View the pregnancy section of each individual drug monograph to determine pregnancy risk or benefit.

Insomnia Treatment (Sleep Aids and Stimulants)

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. Drowsiness, sleepiness, or dizziness are the most commonly reported side effects with this drug class. Driving or operating machinery or perform other hazardous tasks can be dangerous while using these drugs. Drinking alcohol in combination with benzodiazepines may heighten these effects. The benzodiazepine hypnotics shorten the time it takes to fall asleep and prolong the sleeping period.

• They act on specific receptors in the brain, called gamma-aminobutyric acid-A (GABA-A) receptors.
• Benzodiazepines should be taken on a short-term basis under a doctor’s supervision.
• Benzodiazepines work by blocking excessive activity of nerves in the brain and other areas in the central nervous system.
• All healthcare professionals, including clinicians who prescribe these agents, must be fully aware of the drug’s adverse effects, misuse, abuse, and potential to develop physical dependence.

DRUG INTERACTIONS

• Secondly, approximately 20% of the children in the intensive care unit given BZD during sedation, more specifically midazolam, have been shown to exhibit withdrawal effects.
• For instance, when drug sellers do not have benzodiazepines available, they may offer other dangerous drugs to the person, which can lead to polydrug abuse.
• Using this medicine with any of the following medicines is usually not recommended, but may be required in some cases.
• Follow the directions on your prescription label and read all medication guides or instruction sheets.

Secondly, approximately 20% of the children in the intensive care unit given BZD during sedation, more specifically midazolam, have been shown to exhibit withdrawal effects. The severity of the withdrawal sequelae depends on the total dose and duration of infusion and usually presents as agitation, tremors, difficulty sleeping, and inconsolable crying [60]. BZDs gained popularity in the 1960s and 1970s through https://ecosoberhouse.com/ household names such as The Rolling Stones and numerous Hollywood movies sensationalizing Valium (diazepam). BZDs were encouraged for anyone wanting to calm their nerves and ease their sleep, causing them to rapidly attain favor in society [6]. Additionally, given the continual rise of anxiety and sleep-disordered problems over the decades, BZDs remain a regular fixture in the United States today [7].

For Healthcare Professionals

What other drugs will affect Ativan?