Side Effects of Benzos and Z Drugs

Both benzos (and Z-drugs) come with a hefty list of possible common side effects including:

• dizziness

• sedation

• weakness

• unsteadiness

• stomach pain

• nausea

• confusion

• depression

• memory loss

• mood swings

• transient drowsiness commonly experienced during the first few days of treatment

• depression

• loss of orientation

• headaches

• sleep issues

• irritability

• aggression

• excitement

• memory impairment

Unfortunately, the issues with these drugs don’t end there.

Problems with tolerance, addiction, and withdrawal are well-known.  Benzos can even have long-term effects on your memory, learning and sensory perception. They also have been linked to a higher risk of dementia as well as an increased risk of falls, which is especially troubling, since patients over the age of 65 receive more prescriptions for benzos than any other age group.

Although in the past benzos were considered safe for short-term use, more and more professionals and patients who have been prescribed the drugs have begun to question whether they should be on the market at all, considering the dangers that come with them, including dependence, overdose, and possible death.

Yet, despite the issues with benzos, prescriptions for the drugs continue to be written and filled at a startling pace. In fact, between 1996 and 2013, the number of benzo prescriptions filled rose by 67 percent while hospital admissions due to misuse of the drugs tripled since 1998.