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Benzodiazepines: Some Basic Facts

Some Basic Facts about Benzodiazepines

Any information contained herein is for informational purposes only. Please consult with your doctor and pharmacist before taking any prescription drug. The information contained in this article was valid and current to our knowledge at the time of writing; the author does not make any claims as to the current validity of the information.

What Are Benzodiazepines?

Benzodiazepines are a very large class of drugs that are characterized as having six primary effects:

Anxiolytic Effect
Sedative Effect
Anticonvulsant Effect
Hypnotic Effect
Amnestic Effect
Muscle Relaxant Effect

Each different benzodiazepine exhibits varying degrees of these and other, more secondary effects; for example, one drug may exhibit stronger sedative effects, while another may have a stronger Anxiolytic effect.

These drugs (also known as “Benzo’s” in the parlance of seasoned users), have also been described as a group of “minor tranquilizers”, which many physicians believe to be a misrepresentation, considering the strength of modern benzodiazepines.

Doctors generally prescribe Benzodiazepines for anxiety conditions, particularly panic attacks, and generalized anxiety disorder (GAD).

Occasionally, benzo’s are also prescribed for seizure disorders, such as epilepsy, or for insomnia and other sleep problems, such as restless leg syndrome (RLS). Benzodiazepines are also quite frequently prescribed as muscle relaxants.
Valium, Xanax, and Alprazolam are among the most common benzodiazepines prescribed in the United States today. Valium has become less common over the past 15 years.

How do benzodiazepines work?

When taken orally, benzodiazepines are absorbed by the stomach and small intestine, and they are metabolized by the liver. Benzodiazepines tend to be highly fat soluble and accumulate in the patient’s fatty tissue.

The benzodiazepines operate in the brain, affecting control of consciousness, emotional reactions, memory, coordination, and concentration.

The benzodiazepines do this by enhancing the action of the neurotransmitter “GABA” (Gamma Amino Butyric Acid). Neurotransmitters are chemicals which enable the brain cells to transmit impulses from one to another. They are released from brain cells by electrical signals. Once released, the neurotransmitters signal inhibition or excitation of neighboring brain cells. GABA is an inhibitory neurotransmitter, which means that it is a chemical that enables brain cells to slow or calm things down. Benzodiazepines increase the efficiency of GABA, thus causing greater inhibition of signals, or calming.

How effective are benzodiazepines?

As sedatives, benzodiazepines can relieve the symptoms of anxiety and effectively promote sleep for most people, with very few side effects. Benzodiazepines have also proven to be very effective in the treatment of panic disorders.

Several different benzodiazepines are very effective in preventing panic attacks.
This class of drugs may also be used for effective long-term treatment of anxiety, although this raises concerns about dependency.

Some physicians have also used benzodiazepines to treat other disorders, such as borderline personality disorder; this has been with some positive results.

Dependence

It is almost universally accepted that long term use of this class of drugs will lead to dependence. Common withdrawal symptoms may include:

Abdominal pains and cramping
Anxiety
Breathing difficulties
Blurred vision
Changes in perception
Depression
Dizziness
Extreme lethargy
Flu-like symptoms
Heavy limbs
Heart palpitations
Hypersensitivity to light
Indigestion
Insomnia
Irritability
Lack of concentration
Lack of co-ordination
Loss of balance
Loss of memory
Muscular aches and pains
Nausea
Nightmares
Panic attacks
Rapid mood changes
Restlessness
Severe headaches
Shaking
Sore eyes
Tightness in the chest

Because of the severity of some symptoms and the high risk of dependence, make sure that you speak to a doctor before taking any benzodiazepines. Also speak to a doctor or pharmacist for more information on dangers and symptoms of benzodiazepine withdrawal.

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