benzodiazepines

Benzodiazepines (sometimes called ‘benzos’) are depressants that work by slowing down the messages going to and from the brain to the body, including physical, mental and emotional responses.  The benzodiazepine group contains more than twenty-four specific pharmaceutical drugs, each of which is sold under one or more brand names, are most often prescribed in tablet or capsule form, and come in a variety of colours and shapes.

How it is used

Benzodiazepines are intended for oral use only.  Some people inject benzodiazepines to get ‘high’, or to increase the effects of other drugs.  This practice is increasing, even though the effects are not very satisfying.  Whether taken orally or intravenously, the drug is absorbed into the bloodstream and circulates through the body.

Effects

The effects of any drug vary from person to person.  It depends on many factors including an individual’s size, weight and health, how the drug is taken, how much is taken, whether the person is used to taking it, the person’s mood and whether other drugs are taken.  The effects also depend on the environment in which the drug is used - for example, whether the person is alone, with others, or in a social setting.  The quality and purity of the drug used will also influence its effects.

Immediate effects

• relaxation, calmness, relief from tension and anxiety

• drowsiness, tiredness, lethargy

• dizziness, vertigo, blurred or double vision

• slurred speech, stuttering

• mild impairment of thought processes and memory

• feelings of isolation and emotional depression

In greater quantities

• drowsiness, over-sedation, sleep

• confused, slurred speech

• poor co-ordination

• impaired judgement, difficulty thinking clearly

• loss of memory, blurred or double vision and/or dizziness

• mood swings and aggressive outbursts

Bingeing

In the case of benzodiazopines, a ‘binge’ is when a person takes a whole pack in one session, rather than on a daily basis.  There is a strong possibility that a high level of benzodiazepine will remain in the bloodstream the day after a binge. 

Long-term effects

Benzodiazepines can help to relieve anxiety in the short term.  However, they do not solve the problem that caused the anxiety in the first place - they treat the symptoms but not the cause.  The use of benzodiazepines over a period of more than two to three weeks is not medically recommended. 

Long-term use of benzodiazepines may cause:

• drowsiness, lack of motivation

• difficulty thinking clearly, memory loss

• personality change, changes in emotional responses

• anxiety, irritability

• difficulty sleeping, disturbing dreams

• headaches, nausea

• skin rash

• menstrual problems

• sexual problems

• greater appetite, weight gain

• increased risk of accidents, including falling over (older people)

Overdose

Very high doses of benzodiazepines can cause unconsciousness or coma.  Death rarely occurs from overdose of benzodiazepines alone, but some deaths have occurred when large doses were combined with alcohol or other drugs.  Deaths have occurred due to the inhalation of mucus or vomit while the person has been unconscious.

Tolerance & Dependence

Tolerance

People who are physically dependent on benzodiazepines usually develop tolerance to the drug.  That is, they need to take more and more to get the same effect.  This can happen very quickly with benzodiazepines.  The effectiveness of benzodiazepines used as sleeping pills can wear off after three nights.

Dependence

Dependence on benzodiazepines can be psychological or physical, or both.  Dependence can occur after using them for a few weeks or months.  The feelings of dependence often bear no relation to the actual size or physical effect of the daily dose taken.  Dependency can still develop for people on long-term, low doses. 

People who are psychologically dependent feel as though they can’t cope without benzodiazepines.  They crave the drug and find it very difficult to stop using it. 

Withdrawal

If a dependent person suddenly stops taking the benzodiazepines (or severely cuts down their dose), they may have physical withdrawal symptoms because their body has to readjust to functioning without the drug.  Withdrawal symptoms from benzodiazepines vary from person to person, but can be quite severe.  For this reason medical experts advise that people undergo a slow reduction in dose in consultation with a doctor or health worker.

Withdrawal symptoms can include:

• headaches, dizziness

• sweating

• confusion, nervousness, tension

• anxiety and panic attacks, depression

• heightening of the senses of sight, touch, hearing, smell and taste

• poor appetite

• nausea, vomiting and stomach pains

• inability to sleep properly

• feelings of isolation and unreality

• delirium and paranoia

Pregnancy & Breastfeeding

Like all drugs, benzodiazepines may have the potential to cause harm to the unborn child and also harm to the baby whilst breastfeeding.  Due to this, it is recommended to not use any level of benzodiazepines during pregnancy and whilst breastfeeding. 

Legal Implications

Benzodiazepines are a Class C drug.  The maximum penalty for importation/ manufacture/supply is 8 years imprisonment on indictment or 1 year jail and/or $1,000 fine summarily, and for possession 3 months jail and/or a $500 fine. 

It is illegal to drive a motor vehicle while under the influence of any drug, including benzodiazepines.  Breaking this law carries heavy penalties including disqualification from driving, fines and even imprisonment.  It is advised that you do not drive after the consumption of any mood altering substance.  You could put your own and other people’s lives at serious risk. 

For more information on benzodiazepines

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