Side Effects of Benzodiazepines
When you receive a prescription medication for a benzodiazepine such as Ativan or Xanax, your doctor is likely to go over the side effects with you. Not only should your doctor discuss the potential side effects you may experience, but also they should let you know that these medications are only to be taken for a short time, usually no more than a month. Because the effects can wear off quickly, rebound symptoms can occur within a few weeks, and there’s the potential for an uncomfortable withdrawal period that can last for months, these medications are intended for short-term use.
However, not everyone who takes benzodiazepines does so responsibly. Here in Arizona, 1,426,549 prescriptions for benzodiazepines were given out in 2023 alone. While these medications are effective at treating anxiety, insomnia, and seizures, they do carry a number of risks that can impact both your mental and physical health. These risks increase when benzos are combined with other sedatives, opiates, or alcohol.
Wolf Creek Recovery understands that no one takes a prescription medication with the intention of becoming dependent. However, if this does happen, it’s important to have hope, as help is out there. Not only do we offer evidence-based therapies and holistic practices, but also we teach our clients healthy ways to cope with anxiety. Let’s learn more about benzo side effects and how they impact the mind and body.
Benzo Side Effects Over Time
Benzodiazepines are typically prescribed to treat severe anxiety or insomnia. They may also be prescribed to treat seizures, as they slow down activity in the brain and nervous system, making them less active. Benzos are tightly regulated, and you need a prescription to get them. Understanding the short-term and long-term side effects is crucial for managing treatment effectively and ensuring safety.
Short-Term Side Effects of Benzodiazepine Use
There are a wide range of short-term effects that can occur when taking benzodiazepines, which can vary in intensity and diminish as the body adjusts to the medication. Here are some examples of the short-term effects you may experience:
- Drowsiness and sedation
- Dizziness and lightheadedness
- Persistent tiredness and lack of energy
- Temporary changes in vision
- Confusion and cognitive impairment
- Short-term memory loss
- Mild to moderate headaches
- Nausea and vomiting
- Unusual dryness in the mouth
- Muscle weakness
Long-Term Side Effects of Benzodiazepine Use
While benzodiazepines can be effective for short-term treatment, prolonged use can lead to various long-term effects. These effects can impact your physical, psychological, and cognitive health, and often become more pronounced the longer the medication is used. Long-term effects may include:
- Tolerance and dependence
- Respiratory issues
- Gastrointestinal problems
- Muscle weakness and loss of coordination
- Increased anxiety and depression
- Mood swings and irritability
- Reduced emotional responsiveness
- Cognitive impairment
- Increased risk for dementia
- Social withdrawal
How Benzodiazepines Affect the Mind and Body
Benzodiazepines work by enhancing gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA) in the brain. GABA is a neurotransmitter that is responsible for reducing neuronal activity. It has a calming effect on the brain and is often involved in reducing anxiety and promoting relaxation. It also plays a role in promoting sleep and reducing wakefulness, helping you fall asleep and stay asleep.
While GABA is certainly an important part of mental health, this system can be hijacked when benzodiazepines are introduced. The longer you take benzos, the more your brain learns to rely on the medication to produce GABA, causing your own body to stop making it. This is how dependence forms, and if you try to stop or cut back, you may experience withdrawal effects.
Due to the side effects of benzos, it’s important for these medications to be carefully managed under a doctor’s supervision. However, by understanding the various signs of benzodiazepine use, you can educate yourself on the potential risks and make informed decisions about their use.
Behavioral Signs of Benzodiazepine Use
Benzodiazepines have a large effect on behavioral health. Recognizing these signs is crucial for identifying potential misuse or dependence and ensuring appropriate intervention. The behavioral signs of benzodiazepine use include neglecting responsibilities, withdrawing from family and friends, engaging in risky behaviors, and lying and manipulating others to continue benzo use. It’s also not uncommon for people to become more impulsive with benzodiazepine use, which can also lead to risky behaviors and potential harm.
Physical Signs of Benzodiazepine Use
While the physical signs of benzo use are typically mild, they can still become apparent to others and interfere with normal functioning. The physical signs of benzo use include excessive sleepiness, balance and coordination issues, slurred speech, muscle weakness, blurred vision, headaches, respiratory depression, dry mouth, and skin changes. Any time a person is prescribed benzodiazepines, they should be monitored for these physical signs, as managing dosages can minimize the side effects. However, if someone is misusing these medications, the physical signs can become more pronounced.
Psychological Signs of Benzo Use
The psychological effects of benzo use can manifest over the short-term and long-term and often indicate misuse or dependence. Common psychological signs include increased anxiety, reduced emotional responsiveness, cognitive impairment, mood swings, paranoia, delusions, and sleep disturbances. Once a person develops a dependence on benzodiazepines, they believe they need this substance to cope with stress, leading to increased usage and difficulty stopping the medication.
Treatment for Benzodiazepine Use Disorder in Prescott, AZ
Effective treatment for benzodiazepine use disorder includes medical supervision, therapy, support systems, and lifestyle changes. Benzo addiction rehab typically begins with detox, which generally involves a tapering schedule instead of stopping cold turkey. This minimizes withdrawal symptoms and reduces the risk of severe complications. A tapering schedule does take time, usually about 10 weeks or so. During this time, you will also receive supportive medications to ease withdrawal symptoms.
Once you are stable, you can move onto a rehabilitation program that offers behavioral therapies, family support, holistic practices, and aftercare. If you were taking benzos to treat an anxiety disorder, it’s important to learn how to manage your symptoms without them. There are ways you can increase GABA levels naturally, such as by engaging in vigorous exercise, eating healthy foods, practicing meditation and deep breathing, and participating in yoga.
Wolf Creek Recovery treats benzodiazepine use disorders while helping individuals find new, healthy hobbies to enjoy. While clients spend time in therapy, they also get to participate in outdoor activities like basketball, pickleball, softball, tennis, and disc golf—and all with the picturesque backdrop of Prescott, AZ behind them. Build a life you love. Contact Wolf Creek Recovery at 833-732-8202 to learn more about our programs and our approach to treating benzodiazepine use disorders.
FAQs About the Side Effects of Benzodiazepine
What are benzodiazepines?
Benzodiazepines are a class of medications primarily used to treat anxiety, insomnia, and other conditions. They work by enhancing the effect of the neurotransmitter gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA) in the brain, which has a calming effect.
How long should benzodiazepines be used?
Benzodiazepines are typically prescribed for short-term use due to the risk of dependence and addiction. Long-term use should be closely monitored by a healthcare provider.
What is the most common side effect of benzodiazepines?
The most common side effects of benzodiazepines are drowsiness, dizziness, confusion, weakness, unsteadiness, and muscle problems.
How are benzodiazepines tapered off?
Tapering off benzodiazepines should be done gradually under the guidance of a healthcare provider to minimize withdrawal symptoms. The process involves slowly reducing the dosage over weeks or months.
