What You Should Know About Benzodiazepines

Because of the dangers associated with the drugs, many doctors and benzo injured patients are advocating for informed consent prior to the prescription of benzodiazepines.

You should know the following about benzos:

1. Benzos are minor tranquilizers.

2. They are recommended to be taken intermittently or for no longer than a successive 2-4 week time period – which includes a tapering off period since quitting benzos cold turkey can result in severe and dangerous withdrawal symptoms including psychosis, seizures and death.

3. They can cause tolerance and dependence and you can suffer from interdose withdrawal while taking your medication ‘as prescribed’.

4. The withdrawal syndrome caused by benzos can last for years.

5. Stopping benzos after long-term use should only be done in a controlled and tapered manner.

6. They can be dangerous and have been linked to health issues including dementia as well as mortality.

7. Taking benzos during pregnancy can harm the fetus and cause neonatal withdrawal effects.

8. Do not drink alcohol or take opiates with benzos. All medications, including other depressant drugs, should be considered with caution when taking benzos. Alcohol hits the same receptor as benzos and is sometimes referred to as ‘liquid benzo’.

9. Using benzos long-term can result in tolerance that worsens anxiety and panic, making recovery more difficult.

10. People over the age of 65 are more susceptible to the sedative effect of benzos, which can lead to falls, fractures, and confusion.

It’s important to note that even short term use of benzodiazepines comes with real risks, withdrawal symptoms, dependence and severe adverse effects. Before taking benzos, talk to your doctor and thoroughly weigh the risks.