Benzodiazepine Addiction

What are Benzodiazepines?
Benzodiazepines, often referred to as ‘Benzos’, belong to a family of depressants that work on the central nervous system (CNS). They are often referred to as downers, sedatives, hypnotics, minor tranquillisers and anti-anxiety medications. They are most often used therapeutically to produce sedation, induce sleep, relieve anxiety and muscle spasms, and to control severe epileptic seizures. They are also effective in treating some forms of depression, and anxiety associated with depression and schizophrenia.

People with serious forms of anxiety demonstrate severe over-activity in areas of the brain associated with fear or nervousness. An inhibitory neurotransmitter – gamma aminobutyricacid (GABA) works in these areas in diminishing excessive nerve cell activity. Evidence has shown that Benzodiazepines cause an increase in the activity of GABA, thereby returning the system to a normal level and reducing the associated symptoms of anxiety. They are also believed to decrease the turnover rate of serotonin.

They are usually sold in white tablet or coloured capsule form and taken orally; they often come in different colours, depending on their strength. Certain Benzodiazepines are also produced in ampoule or liquid form and can be administered intravenously.

Benzodiazepine Brand Names
Benzodiazepine brand names include some of the following:

• Ativan (Lorazepam)
  Lorazepam is an intermediate-acting Benzodiazepine with a therapeutic dose range of 0.5 to 8mg, depending on its usage. It is a powerful anxiolytic and is principally used as a short-term drug for treating the symptoms of severe anxiety, although it is also effective as an anticonvulsant, muscle relaxant, hypnotic and sedative. It is available in tablet form and syrups and is administered orally. In its pure form, it is an almost white powder that is nearly soluble in water and oil. Due to its potent effects, it is often administered before a general anaesthetic in order to reduce the amount of anaesthetic required. Oral Lorazepam is prescribed 90 to 120 minutes before procedures and intravenous Lorazepam as late as 10 minutes before. As an anticonvulsant, it is useful for the prevention and treatment of alcohol detoxification.
  
  
• Dalmane (Flurazepam)
  Flurazepam is a long-acting Benzodiazepine and is usually prescribed as an ivory and orange or red and ivory capsule with a therapeutic dose range of 15 to 30mg, depending on its usage. It is occasionally used for the short-term treatment of patients with chronic insomnia; however, as the drug can stay in the bloodstream for up to 4 days, it is unsuitable as a sleeping medication for some people as it can cause next day sedation. It is also used for the treatment of severe depression, particularly where there is evidence of latent depression and suicidal tendencies.
  
  
• Valium (Diazepam)
  Diazepam is a long-acting Benzodiazepine and is usually prescribed as a white, yellow or light blue tablet with a therapeutic dose range of 2 to 10mg, depending on its usage. It is used primarily for the treatment of anxiety, insomnia and the acute symptoms of alcohol or opiate withdrawal. It is also used as a premedication for inducing sedation before certain medical procedures. It is rarely used for the long-term treatment of epilepsy because tolerance to the anticonvulsant effects of Diazepam usually develops within 6 to 12 months of commencing treatment. It should not be used in the treatment of severely depressed psychotic patients.
  
  
• Librium (Chlordiazepoxide)
  Chlordiazepoxide is a long-acting Benzodiazepine and is usually prescribed as a yellow and green, black and green or white and green capsule with a therapeutic dose range of 5 to 25mg, depending on its usage. It is also available as a 100mg ampoule for injection only. It possesses hypnotic, sedative, anxiolytic and muscle relaxant properties and is primarily used in the treatment of mild anxiety and tension, insomnia and pre and postoperative apprehension. It can also be useful in alleviating alcohol withdrawal symptoms and reducing anxiety associated with psychosis. If used intravenously, it is effective in the treatment of acute agitation and hyperactivity.
  
  
• Restoril (Temazepam)
  Temazepam is an intermediate-acting Benzodiazepine and is usually prescribed as a flesh and maroon or blue and maroon capsule with a therapeutic dose range of 15 to 30mg, depending on its usage. It possesses hypnotic properties and should only be prescribed on a short-term basis for the treatment of severe insomnia. It should be used with caution in patients with symptoms of depression or latent depression, particularly when suicidal tendencies may be present. It should not be prescribed for any longer than a 4 week period due to concerns of tolerance and physical dependency.
  
  
• Mogadon (Nitrazepam)
  Nitrazepam is a long-acting Benzodiazepine and is usually prescribed in 5 or 10mg tablet form, although in some countries, including the UK, Nitrazepam is only available in 5mg. It is a sedative drug with hypnotic, motor impairing, anticonvulsant, amnestic, anxiolytic and muscle relaxant properties. It is most commonly used to treat short-term insomnia, although it has been found to be of benefit in the treatment of certain seizures. Studies have recently shown that long-term use of Nitrazepam may lead to ovarian cancer in some patients.
  
  

How they are Used?
Benzodiazepines are relatively fast-acting drugs, and most begin to take effect within hours, some in even less time. Dosage generally starts at a low level and is gradually increased until symptoms diminish. Dosage varies a great deal depending on symptoms and an individual’s body size and chemistry. Like Barbiturates, Benzodiazepines differ from one another in how fast they take effect and how long the effects last. In high doses they act as hypnotics; anxiolytics in moderate doses and as a sedative in low doses.

Most tranquillisers should only be used over a 2 to 4 week period as they may become ineffective and a dependency can easily occur. When prescribed for the treatment of insomnia, a 2 to 3 night break each week is recommended. They are likely to be ineffective in the treatment of anxiety for longer than a four month period.

Benzodiazepines are commonly abused due to their ease of availability. Many drug abusers take tranquillisers as a means of bringing themselves down after using stimulants such as cocaine and ecstasy. Others will use them to enhance the effects of alcohol. Temazepam has become a street drug and is often used as a substitute for heroin and RohypnolTM – a drug commonly associated with ‘date rape’.

What are the Side Effects?
Benzodiazepines can be highly addictive and carry a risk of overdose. Typical side effects can include blurred vision, headache, depression, chest pain, dizziness, drowsiness, upset stomach, jaundice, confusion, changes in heart rate and impaired coordination. If mixed with alcohol or other depressant drugs, tranquillisers can be extremely dangerous and can cause a fatal overdose.

Behavioural changes can also occur such as schizophrenia, mania, anger, hypomania, aggression and violent outbursts. Those with borderline personality disorders are also at greater risk of experiencing severe behavioural or psychiatric disturbances.

What are the Withdrawal Effects?
Withdrawal effects can be unpleasant and can include some or all of the following symptoms:

Patients should only ever withdraw from Benzodiazepines at a medically recommended rate, as discontinuing the drug abruptly can lead to any or all of the above symptoms.

Common Street Names
Common street names for Benzodiazepines include moggies, jellies, eggs, roofies, tranks, xanies, vals, date rape drug, Mexican Valium, nerve pills, rope or the forget-pill.

For further information regarding benzodiazepine addiction, please feel free to contact one of our First4Rehab advisors, either by phone or email. Or if you prefer, drop us a text on the number listed below.