Benzodiazepines, commonly referred to as “Benzos”, are a class of drugs primarily for treating anxiety. They are effective in treating other conditions as well, such as seizures or insomnia, as well as for general anesthesia. It is believed by scientists that excessive activity of nerves is the cause of anxiety and benzodiazepines reduce the activity of nerves in the brain and spinal cord.
Benzodiazepines Types
- Diazepam (Valium) and clorazepate (Tranxene)
- Fast onset of action (start working within 30 to 60 minutes)
- Valium duration of action is 1 to 3 days
- Tranxene duration of action is 3 to 8 hours
- Used for anxiety disorders, muscle relaxation, and in anesthesia
- Oxazepam (Serax)
- Slow onset of action
- Used to treat anxiety, anxiety with depression, and symptoms of alcohol withdrawal
- Lorazepam (Ativan)
- Intermediate onset of action and duration of action of 11 to 20 hours
- Used to treat anxiety, seizure disorders, and in anesthesia
- Alprazolam (Xanax)
- Intermediate onset of action and duration of action of 11 to 20 hours
- Used to treat anxiety
- Clonazepam (Klonopin)
- Intermediate onset of action and long-acting with a duration of 1 to 3 days
- Used to treat seizure disorders
- Midazolam (Versed)
- Short-acting with duration of action of 3 to 8 hours
- Used to treat anxiety and in anesthesia
- Triazolam (Halcion)
- Short-acting with duration of action of 3 to 8 hours
- Used to treat insomnia
- Estazolam (Prosom)
- Intermediate-acting agent with duration of action of 11 to 20 hours
- Used to treat insomnia
- Temazepam (Restoril)
- Intermediate-acting agent with duration of action of 11 to 20 hours
- Used to treat insomnia
- Chlordiazepoxide (Librium)
- Long-acting agent with duration of action of 1 to 3 days
- Used to treat anxiety and for alcohol withdrawal
- Flurazepam (Dalmane)
- Long-acting agent with duration of action of 1 to 3 days
- Used to treat insomnia
- Quazepam (Doral)
- Long-acting agent with duration of action of 1 to 3 days
- Used to treat insomnia
- Dizziness
- Sedation
- Unsteadiness
- Weakness
- Feeling depressed
- Loss of orientation
- Headache
- Sleep disturbance
- Confusion
- Irritability
- Aggression
- Excitement
- Memory impairment
- Benzos can cause excessive sedation when combined with alcohol, barbiturates, narcotics, and tranquilizers
- Benzos therapy for alcohol withdrawal has the potential for abuse and the development of physical dependence
- Intentional abuse of prescription benzos is relatively uncommon but should be used more cautiously in individuals with a drug abuse history, as they are at the greatest risk for seeking benzos to experience a “high”
- Benzos are rarely the sole drug of abuse – they are normally combined with other drugs to increase the effect
- Gradual dosage reduction combined with psychological support
- Treatment under the active supervision of addiction specialists who are trained in gradually reducing the amount of the drug daily so the safety of the patient is maintained constantly
- Psychological support includes counseling and group therapy – there is no one program that fits everyone
- Treatment centers have inpatient and outpatient options
- Outpatient is preferred for mild addictions only as these patients will have a higher chance of success with outpatient
- Inpatient treatment typically lasts 28 to 90 days depending on the severity of the addiction
- Recovery in Motion Treatment Center
- Cottonwood Tucson
- Sonora Behavioral Health Hospital
- Saint Joseph’s Hospital – O’Reilly Care Center Behavioral Health Department
- Southern Arizona VA Healthcare Service – SARRTP
