Benzodiazepines

Benzodiazepines (benzos) are a class of prescription drugs commonly called tranquilizers. They include drugs like Valium, Xanax and Librium which are medicinally used for short-term treatment of disorders such as anxiety, panic disorders and insomnia. They depress the central nervous system and slow down brain function. Benzodiazepines are not FDA approved for long term use. Among benzos users, tolerance can develop, limiting the drug’s effectiveness and increasing the risk of dependence. Withdrawal symptoms may occur upon discontinuation of Benzos.

In addition to physician prescription, benzodiazepines can be obtained illegally on the street. Many individuals who abuse benzos may also be abusing other drugs, creating the possibility of severe physical or psychological problems and may even result in death for the user. The use of benzodiazepines with any drug is considered dangerous especially when combined with other central nervous system depressants such as alcohol and opiates. These drug combinations can cause an increase in heart rate and respiration to slow down to dangerous levels and coma and death can occur.

Benzos can cause confusion and short term memory loss and using them while driving can be particularly dangerous. Seizures and delirium tremens can occur when abruptly stopping the drug. The clinical treatment for benzodiazepine abuse is to medically supervise the patients during the detoxification stage. This is necessary to avoid possibly dangerous withdrawal symptoms which can include rapid heartbeat, depression, loss of appetite, psychosis, hallucinations and delusions.