What do benzodiazepines do

They differ in terms of potency, how quickly the body absorbs them, and their uses. This table shows some examples and their uses:. The side effects of benzodiazepine use may include :.

More serious effects include:. A wide range of withdrawal symptoms can occur when stopping benzodiazepines. They include:. Experts do not recommend using benzodiazepines for more than 2 weeks. A person who uses them for 3—4 weeks and then stops suddenly is likely to experience withdrawal symptoms. People who use them in the long term may need to withdraw their use over a 3—12 month period that their doctor should oversee.

Stopping slowly with professional help can prevent unwanted effects. What happens when you stop taking benzodiazepines? Find out here. A benzodiazepine overdose can lead to :.

Anyone who shows signs of an overdose or an adverse reaction after taking benzodiazepines will need emergency medical help. Before starting treatment with benzodiazepines, a person must tell their doctor about every other medication that they are using.

Some drugs may intensify the effects of benzodiazepines, while others may make them less effective. It is essential not to use benzodiazepines with opioids or alcohol, as this can lead to life threatening effects.

People should also never combine them with cannabis use. Benzodiazepine misuse is a cause for concern. Some people use these drugs for recreational purposes without the supervision of a medical professional, which can be dangerous.

Benzodiazepines can help treat some mental health and neurological conditions, but it is essential to use them with care. They can also be used to treat alcohol withdrawal and epilepsy. However, medical professionals have become concerned about their risks, particularly when they are used for a long time.

Benzodiazepines can cause a person to overdose, particularly when used with alcohol or other drugs. They are associated with dependence and withdrawal symptoms, even after a short period of use which is why benzodiazepines are not the first option for pharmacological treatment of insomnia, anxiety or other health concerns.

There are three types of benzodiazepines: long, intermediate and short-acting. Benzodiazepines are known by their chemical generic name or their brand name. Some common benzodiazepines are:. Ontario: Addiction Research Foundation.

There is no safe level of drug use. Use of any drug always carries some risk. Injecting drugs repeatedly and sharing injecting equipment with other people increases the risk of experiencing these effects. Benzodiazepines are not recommended for use during pregnancy or breastfeeding, as they are associated with pre-term delivery, low birth weight and potential birth defects.

Benzodiazepines are often present in patients who have intentionally or accidentally overdosed. If you take a large amount, you could overdose.

There is some evidence that long-term, heavy use of benzodiazepines is a risk factor for epilepsy, stroke and brain tumours. The use of benzodiazepines to help with the come down effects of stimulant drugs such as amphetamines or ecstasy may result in a cycle of dependence on both types of drug.

Giving up benzodiazepines after a long time is challenging because the body has to get used to functioning without them. If taking benzodiazepines is suddenly stopped, sudden withdrawal can cause seizures. Withdrawal symptoms vary from person to person and are different depending on the type of benzodiazepine being taken.

They are usually a short-term treatment given for weeks. Benzodiazepines will usually be taken through your mouth by table or solution. In rare situations they can be injected to help control panic attacks. You may be given benzodiazepines for the short-term relief of severe anxiety. You should not be given them for long term relief. Benzodiazepines can be used to treat insomnia.

Insomnia means that you find it difficult to fall asleep or stay asleep. You should only be offered benzodiazepines to treat insomnia if it is severe, disabling or is causing you a lot of distress. You should stay in hospital during withdrawal if you have severe alcohol dependence. Withdrawal without medical support can cause dangerous side effects such as seizures. Not everyone who takes benzodiazepines will get side effects. Talk to your doctor if you are worried about side effects.

You should only be prescribed benzodiazepines for the shortest amount of time possible. Taking benzodiazepines regularly for a few weeks or more can lead to addiction. Doctors recommend that you only take them for weeks. Intermittent use may help to avoid addiction. The risk of addiction is higher if you have a history of drug or alcohol abuse. Or if you have a personality disorder. You have an increased risk of falls and associated fractures if you are elderly and use benzodiazepines.

Withdrawal symptoms from benzodiazepines can happen if you have been taking the medication regularly for weeks. Talk to your doctor about stopping if you have been taking benzodiazepines regularly for more than weeks.

They will be able to help you stop taking them. This is because your body will be used to the medication and you might experience withdrawal symptoms. Your withdrawal side effects will usually stop after a few weeks. But they can last longer for a small amount of people.

You may not get withdrawal side effects when you stop your benzodiazepine medication. You should talk to your doctor or local pharmacist if you are worried about the withdrawal effects of benzodiazepines. Antidepressant and mood stabilizing drugs may help with the withdrawal effects of benzodiazepines.

If you have a panic disorder you may benefit from cognitive behavioural therapy whilst you are coming off the medication. Tell your doctor about any medicines you are taking before you start to take benzodiazepines. This includes any supplements or herbal medicines you take. Benzodiazepines can react with other types of medication and cause more side effects such as extra tiredness or low blood pressure. Medication that can react with benzodiazepines includes:. Alcohol can increase the sedative effect of benzodiazepines.

If you drink alcohol whilst taking benzodiazepines you are likely to feel more tired. It is illegal to drive if you are affected by drugs such as benzodiazepines. Ask your doctor if you are safe to drive whilst taking your medication. You should tell the DVLA if you are taking medication that may affect your driving. You should also tell them if you have a medical condition that could affect your driving. Benzodiazepines are a controlled drug. Controlled drugs mean that there are legal controls that must be followed.

You need to get a letter from the professional who prescribed you the medication. The letter must include:. Benzodiazepines do not have any known effects on sexual performance. But drowsiness might have an impact on your sex life. Benzodiazepines should not be used regularly during pregnancy. They should only be used to help control seizures.

If benzodiazepines are taken during pregnancy, this can affect the baby when it is born. The baby can get withdrawal symptoms.