Benzodiazepines are the types of psychoactive drugs used for the treatment of different types of physical disorder such as chronic anxiety, depression, mental stress, seizures, and insomnia. There is a wide variety of benzodiazepine drugs, though all of those drugs work in quite a similar way, but their potency levels are different. Their duration of actions and receptor site affinities also varied. At present these drugs are prescribed for adult administration in various parts of the world like the United States, and some parts of Asia but in very rare cases.
How do they work?
Benzodiazepines possess some muscle relaxant, anticonvulsant, hypnotic, sedative, anxiolytic, and amnesic properties. This drug enhances the effect of neurotransmitter of the brain by stimulating them. One such neurotransmitter is called Gamma Aminobutyric Acid (GABA) responsible for the suppressing of the activities of neurons of the brain and spinal cord that sometimes causes chronic stress, anxiety and sleeplessness related issues. According to the scientists, the excessive activities of these neurons lead to anxiety, stress and other psychological disorders.
These benzodiazepines drugs also administered for an anesthetic purpose, sedation before surgery, panic attacks, alcohol withdrawal, vomiting, and other diagnostic purposes.
Effects of Benzodiazepines
Though benzodiazepines drugs are quite safe and efficient if they are used for short-term purposes, the long-term use of these drugs might cause some adverse side effects including dependence potential and withdrawal symptoms.
The most common side effects are:
- Drowsiness
- Dizziness
- Lower alertness and concentration power
- Lack of co-ordination
- Unsteadiness and
- Weakness
And other side effects associated with benzodiazepine drugs include:
- Feeling of chronic stress
- Headache
- Sleep disturbance
- Irritation
- Lack of orientation
- Transient drowsiness that experienced during the first stage of administration.
- Depression
- Grogginess
- Vision problems
- Trembling
- Aggression
- Physical and mental impairment etc.
However, these side effects completely depend on the potency level of the different types of benzodiazepine drugs as different benzos have a different level of potency.
Physical dependence and withdrawal symptoms
The main problem associated with the chronic use of this drug is the development of physical dependence and build up a tolerance. Tolerance can build up within two or three weeks of administration of this drug. So, it is important to not to use this drug for prolonged period to avoid your brain to become both physically and psychologically dependent on this drug. There are also some reports suggest about its’ abuse potential. Some users abuse these drugs by mixing it with other substances in order to get a euphoric effect. Diazepam and Alprazolam pills are quite popular among the abusers.
Abrupt discontinuation of benzodiazepines might cause some rebound and withdrawal symptoms. These symptoms include nausea, impaired vision, malaise, sweating, muscle spasms, hallucinations, seizures, nightmares, etc. Long term use and high dosages of these drugs increase the severity of withdrawal symptoms. That is the reason doctors always advised to consume these drugs in lower dosages. It is advisable to consult with a physician regarding the proper dosages before consuming these drugs.
