Benzodiazepines, also known as benzos, are in a class of drugs called depressants due to their sedative effect on the central nervous system. When people hear the word “depressant,” they may think of sadness, but in this case, depress means to slow down. Benzos became popular in the ’60s and ’70s as a “safer alternative” to barbiturates for treating profound anxiety and treatment-resistant sleep disorders. The tranquilizing effects of benzodiazepines often cause the following side-effects:
- Relaxation
- Decreased inhibitions
- Slurred speech
- Impaired memory
- Loss of fine motor skills
- Respiratory depression
- Brain damage
- Physical weakness
Doctors often prescribe benzodiazepines for limited use in patients who are struggling with treatment-resistant anxiety or traumatic stress. Benzos do not produce a “high,” but for an anxious person, the feeling of relief often resembles a kind of rational euphoria. Because of their addictive potential, doctors typically require approval to continue to refill prescriptions. If you are concerned about benzodiazepine addiction, contact Solution Based Treatment & Detox at 833.999.1941 to learn more about our medical detox program in Murrieta, CA. Common benzodiazepines include the following:
- Diazepam (Valium)
- Clonazepam (Klonopin)
- Alprazolam (Xanax)
- Bromazepam (lexotan or lectopam)
- Lorazepam (Ativan)
- Triazolam (Halicon)