Effects of Benzodiazepines
Benzodiazepines are known for their depressant effect on the central nervous system (CNS).1 They are widely prescribed in the United States with Valium (diazepam), Xanax (alprazolam), Ativan (lorazepam), Klonopin (clonazepam), and Restoril (temazepam) being the most prescribed and illicitly used benzodiazepines.1
While benzodiazepines are generally safe when taken as prescribed by a doctor, even at therapeutic doses, they can result in tolerance and dependence, where withdrawal symptoms appear after a person abruptly reduces or stops taking them.2
What Are Benzodiazepines?
Benzodiazepines, commonly referred to as “benzos,” are a class of prescription drugs that function as central nervous system (CNS) depressants.2 Medical professionals prescribe benzodiazepines to treat various conditions including:2
- Anxiety disorders.
- Panic disorders.
- Seizure disorders.
- Insomnia and other sleep disorders.
- Muscle spasms.
- Alcohol withdrawal.
How Do Benzodiazepines Work?
Benzodiazepines work by stimulating receptors that act as binding sites for the body’s primary inhibitory neurotransmitter, gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA).2 Taking benzodiazepines facilitates the binding of GABA at the receptors located throughout the CNS, leading to an increase in inhibitory tone, resulting in sedation and feelings of relaxation.3
Are Benzodiazepines Addictive?
Benzodiazepines have a potential for misuse, and both the use and misuse of benzodiazepines can increase a person’s risk of addiction, which is the compulsive use of a substance despite the negative consequences it causes.3, 4 A person may misuse benzodiazepines by:5
- Taking benzodiazepines in a way other than prescribed.
- Taking someone else’s medication.
- Taking benzodiazepines to get high.
Benzodiazepine misuse is relatively common and data suggests that a person with any prescription for anxiety medication has 1.9 times greater odds of past-year benzodiazepine misuse and 2.6 times greater odds of a substance use disorder (SUD) involving sedatives.6
It’s important to note that benzodiazepine tolerance and dependence can occur even when used as prescribed.5 Tolerance is a naturally occurring neuroadaptation where the brain attempts to compensate for the constant presence of the drug, resulting in a person requiring more of a drug to experience the desired effects.5 With benzodiazepines, tolerance is a main driving factor of dependence.2
Side Effects of Benzodiazepines
Benzodiazepines are generally safe when taken as prescribed by a medical professional for short periods, typically no longer than a few weeks.2, 3 While all benzodiazepines have similar effects on the body and brain, benzo the side effects can vary based on the dose, potency, half-life, and how long the drug is used.2, 3 Speaking to your doctor and thoroughly reading the drug label provided with your medication can provide a complete list of potential benzodiazepine side effects that can occur with the specific drug you are taking.
Some common adverse effects of benzodiazepines include:7
- Drowsiness.
- Confusion.
- Dizziness.
- Issues with memory and movement.
- Poor concentration.
- Slurred speech.
- Reduced blood pressure.
- Slowed breathing.
Elderly people who take benzodiazepines are at increased risk of experiencing psychomotor impairment, which can lead to falls that may cause serious injuries. The elderly are also more likely to experience motor vehicle accidents, cognitive issues, and memory problems from benzodiazepine use.2, 3
Benzodiazepine overdose is possible, especially when benzodiazepines are combined with alcohol, opioids, or sedatives. This can intensify the sedative effects, and result in slowed or stopped breathing and heart rate.7
Paradoxical Effects of Benzodiazepines
Usually, when people take benzodiazepines, they experience a calming effect from the drug. However, there are additional effects individuals may experience with the use of benzodiazepines called paradoxical effects. Though relatively uncommon, paradoxical effects may include irritability, increased excitement, hostility, aggression, and impulsivity.3 Very rarely, paradoxical disinhibition may result in attacks of violence or rage. These adverse effects of benzodiazepines may be the result of a decrease in inhibition of behavioral tendencies that are usually suppressed by social restraints (similar to what can occur with alcohol).3
Long-Term Effects of Benzos
Benzodiazepines are widely prescribed, and their effects are typically produced almost immediately, thus making them likely to be prescribed for short-term, intermittent use.3 People who use benzodiazepines may develop tolerance, although how quickly and to what extent depends on the specific drug and the length of time it was used. Tolerance to the hypnotic effects of benzodiazepines may happen quickly while tolerance to the anxiolytic effect tends to develop more slowly. However, benzodiazepines tend to lose their efficacy after 4-6 months of regular use.3
With the potential for the development of tolerance, and the loss of effectiveness of the drug, long-term use can be problematic for those who are using benzodiazepines—even more so when the drug is being misused. Long-term use can impact people differently, with some experiencing more severe consequences than others.
Some potential long-term effects of benzos may include:8, 9
- Tolerance.
- Dependence.
- Addiction.
- Cognitive impairment.
- Cognitive decline.
- Dementia in the elderly.
Do I Have a Benzodiazepine Addiction?
Getting Help for Benzodiazepine Addiction
If you or someone you care about are struggling with benzodiazepines, help is available. Benzodiazepine addiction treatment can help people stop using benzodiazepines and other substances to regain control of their lives.
If you are ready to quit using benzodiazepines, you may benefit from medical detox, as withdrawal symptoms can be unpleasant and in some cases, life-threatening.10, 11 Medical detox can help you withdraw from substances as comfortably and safely as possible and facilitate the transition to ongoing treatment.10, 11 Ongoing treatment may take place in different settings, such as inpatient and outpatient (e.g., IOP, PHP, standard outpatient), and may involve a combination of behavioral counseling, medication, and support groups.10, 11 If you struggle with other substance misuse, your care may also include co-occurring disorder treatment.10, 11
Finding Benzodiazepine Addiction Treatment
Treatment may be available at a rehab center near you or out of state. You can learn more about treatment options by contacting your primary care physician (PHP) or a mental health practitioner. You can also contact American Addiction Centers (AAC) when you call . AAC is a leading provider of evidence-based treatment and can answer your questions about benzodiazepine addiction, verify your insurance, and more.