The Dangers of Benzodiapines

Benzodiazepines are a class of drugs which includes such drugs as Xanax, Ativan and Valium. These drugs can be effective for short term use treating anxiety, panic attacks, and sleep issues.  In some instances may be used to prevent seizures in addicts or alcoholics who are going through withdrawal during treatment. Because this class of drugs can be quite addictive, most doctors are hesitant to prescribe them for long term use. The issues that Benzodiazepines treat can often be better treated with therapy or other treatments.

The true dangers of anxiety drugs or sleeping pills are when they are used long term. The user may begin taking more than the recommended dose or take them at times when they should not. The user may become overly relaxed, less alert and  less inhibited. Because these drugs are hypnotics, they can even cause an altered state or blackout. During a blackout, the user will be up and around, doing activities such as driving, working or even unusual activities and then have no recollection of those actions later. Because their senses are dulled, they are a danger to themselves and especially others because they do not properly perceive risks.

Benzodiazepines are especially dangerous when mixed with other drugs. The user may build a tolerance which requires larger doses that are no longer therapeutic or under a doctor’s approval. The user may turn to risky and illegal mean to obtain them or may begin mixing drugs which can cause deadly combined drug toxicity. Many drug deaths lately have been attributed to “combined drug toxicity” which is the combined effects of multiple drugs. Even though none of the drugs alone are at a lethal level, the combination of them can be quite deadly.

Because Benzodiazepines can cause a severe physical dependence, it is best to taper down the dosage when trying to get off of them.  Quitting cold turkey can cause seizures, tremors, nausea and other unpleasant effects.