Should i take benzodiazepines

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Recent Blog Articles. Why is topical vitamin C important for skin health? Preventing preeclampsia may be as simple as taking an aspirin. Benzos come in different formulations. Some are short-acting, some are long-acting, and they vary in potency. The most commonly prescribed benzodiazepines and the conditions they're typically prescribed to treat include:.

Other benzodiazepines and the conditions they're typically prescribed to treat include:. Most of the side effects of benzodiazepines are related to the depressant effect the drug has on your central nervous system.

Common side effects depend on the medication you're using but, in general, they include:. Long-term use of benzodiazepines may trigger a worsening of side effects and, in some cases, paradoxical side effects, meaning that you may experience an opposite response to the drug than you previously had. Some of these side effects can adversely affect your mood and behavior, causing an altered perception of yourself, your environment, or your relationships. Long-term side effects may include:. Benzodiazepines are a Schedule IV medication due to their risk of physical and psychological addiction.

As such, they are usually prescribed for no more than two to four weeks. When they're taken for longer periods, benzodiazepines can lead to tolerance and dependence, meaning that your body will require more of the drug to achieve the same therapeutic effect.

Abuse of these drugs is the highest in people who also use heroin or cocaine. If you use any of these drugs for too long, you can experience symptoms of withdrawal if you suddenly stop. Don't ever stop taking a benzodiazepine without talking to your doctor first. Your dosage will be gradually tapered off to minimize some of the more profound symptoms of withdrawal , including:.

Not only can they cause dependence, but there are also many substances that can interact with benzodiazepines and cause accidental overdose or even death. Alcohol and opioid pain relievers, both of which also act as central nervous system depressants, can greatly magnify the effect of benzodiazepines.

Together, these drugs may slow your respiration and heart function to a point where they may stop altogether.

Because of this potentially life-threatening result, benzodiazepines should not be taken with alcohol, opioid drugs, or any other benzodiazepine, unless your doctor has decided that the benefits outweigh the risks in your particular situation.

Be sure to tell your doctor about all the medications, vitamins, supplements, and herbal products you're taking before you start on a benzodiazepine. Some of these can also cause serious interactions. Your doctor may need to change your dose or closely monitor you while taking a benzodiazepine.

Some of the other medications and herbs that can cause interactions with benzos include:. Potential symptoms of a benzodiazepine overdose include:. If you think someone has overdosed on benzodiazepines, call the Poison Control hotline at or visit their website for help. However, if the person has fallen down, is having seizures, can't breathe without difficulty, or is unconscious, call to get immediate emergency help. There are circumstances and conditions in which the use of benzodiazepines should be carefully considered or even avoided.

Among them include:. If you are having suicidal thoughts, contact the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline at for support and assistance from a trained counselor. If you or a loved one are in immediate danger, call For more mental health resources, see our National Helpline Database.

Dealing with racing thoughts? Always feeling tired? As hypnotics, benzodiazepines are mainly indicated for transient or short term insomnia, for which prescriptions should if possible be limited to a few days, occasional or intermittent use, or courses not exceeding 2 weeks. Temazepam, loprazolam and lormetazepam, which have a medium duration of action are suitable.

Diazepam is also effective in single or intermittent dosage. Potent, short-acting benzodiazepines such as triazolam appear to carry greater risks of adverse effects. As anxiolytics, benzodiazepines should generally be used in conjunction with other measures psychological treatments, antidepressants, other drugs although such measures have a slower onset of action.

Indications for benzodiazepines include acute stress reactions, episodic anxiety, fluctuations in generalised anxiety, and as initial treatment for severe panic and agoraphobia.