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Benzodiazepines are a large class of commonly prescribed tranquillisers, otherwise referred to as central nervous system (CNS) depressants, anxiolytics and sedative-hypnotics.
- Street names: Benzo’s, temazzies, jellies, downers, tranks
- Legal status: Prescribed medication.
Effects of benzodiazepines
The five primary effects that all benzodiazepines have are:
- Hypnotic (to induce sleepiness);
- Anxiolytic (to reduce anxiety/produce relaxation);
- Anti-seizure (to reduce the probability of having seizures and convulsions);
- Muscle relaxant (to reduce muscle tension and associated pain);
- Amnesic (amnestic) (tending to disrupt both long and short term memory).
Benzodiazepines are most commonly prescribed for anxiety conditions, especially panic disorder (PD) and generalised anxiety disorder (GAD). They are also sometimes prescribed for seizure disorders or epilepsy. Benzodiazepines are also prescribed for insomnia and other sleep problems, such as restless leg syndrome (RLS). Benzodiazepines are also frequently prescribed as muscle relaxants.
The names of commonly prescribed benzodiazepines:
Diazepam (Valium)
Lorazepam (ativan)
Oxazepam (Serenid-d)
Chlordiazepoxide (Librium)
Medazepam (Nobrium)
Alprazolam (Xanax)
Clonazepam -- Klonopin (Rivotril)
Bromazepam (Lexotan)
Clobazam (Frisium)
Clorazepate (Tranxene)
Temazepam (Normison)
Nitrazepam (Mogadon)
Flunitrazepam (Rohypnol)
Flurazepam (Dalmane)
Loprazolam(Dormonoct)
Risks of taking benzodiazapines
All benzodiazepines are addictive can cause physical dependency . This can occur if they are taken daily for 2-4 weeks. As a result most are only prescribed for a short period. The body and brain become used to benzodiazepines resulting in an initial dose becoming less effective. This means that more will need to be taken to achieve the same effect. This is called tolerance.
Benzodiazepines are a depressant and if taken with other depressive drugs like alcohol or opiates can lead to an accidental overdose.
Some tranquillizers have been shown to cause short-term memory loss.
There's been a big increase in sex crime involving tranquillisers like rohypnol. Victims' drinks are spiked with the drug, knocking them into an often paralysed stupor so they're either unaware of or unable to prevent a sexual assault.
Injecting crushed tablets or melted down gel capsules is extremely dangerous and sometimes fatal. The chalk in tablets is a major cause of collapsed veins which can lead to infection and abscess. Injecting gel capsules can also be fatal when the gel solidifies inside the blood vessels.
Benzodiazapine dependence and addiction
Benzodiazepines are highly addictive. It is likely that you will be dependant on a benzodiazepine if you take it for more than four weeks. This means that withdrawal symptoms occur if the tablets are stopped suddenly.
Benzodiazepine withdrawal
Possible withdrawal symptoms include: anxiety, panic attacks, odd sensations, feeling as if you are outside your body, feelings of unreality, or confusion. In some cases the withdrawal symptoms seem like the original anxiety symptoms.
Physical symptoms such as sweating, unable to sleep, headache, tremor, tinnitus, feeling sick, palpitations, muscle spasms, and being oversensitive to light, sound and touch. Rarely, convulsions occur.
Sudden withdrawal after big doses can cause fits therefore detoxification should be done under medical supervision.
The duration of withdrawal symptoms varies, but often lasts up to six weeks and sometimes longer. Withdrawal symptoms may not start for two days after stopping the tablet, and tend to be worst in the first week or so. Some people have minor residual withdrawal symptoms for several months.
Treatment for addiction to benzodiazepines
Following a medical assessment a home detox plan using reducing doses of benzodiazepines will be prescribed.
Ongoing physical and mental state assessments will be carried out by the 1-1 detox clinical nurse specialist in your home with input from the team where necessary.
Much emphasis will be placed on good nutrition and sleep hygiene, anxiety and stress management, relaxation techniques and relapse prevention.
Aftercare
During the detox process, the clinical nurse specialist, the consultant psychiatrist, and the care co-cordinator will plan a bespoke home detox aftercare package in conjunction with the client and, if appropriate, the client’s family.
We have developed an extensive network of aftercare resources throughout the world, including Europe’s top exclusive therapeutic retreat - The Causeway.
1-1 detox offers 12 months post detox addiction aftercare support and advice.
Examples of post detox aftercare have been referrals to prominent drug and alcohol counsellors, structured day programmes, personal training, complimentary therapists, nutritional specialists and rehabilitation at The Causeway.
Aftercare is planned during the home detox episode with the client and will reflect your specific needs.
Although 1-1 detox does not endorse one philosophy of aftercare we recognize the importance of NA (Narcotics Anonymous) and the role it can play in relapse prevention and long term sobriety.
For confidential help or advice
 Contact 1-1 detox
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