Benzodiazepine Detox
Benzodiazepines are part of a type of medication commonly called tranquillizers, also referred to as central nervous system (CNS) depressants, anxiolytics and sedative-hypnotics. These medications are HIGHLY physically and psychologically addictive. When the individual is using benzodiazepines on a long term basis it creates a great dependency and also reduces the general health of the person.
Withdrawal from benzodiazepines can sometimes be done at home with the follow up of a doctor or medical staff. Also there are some facilities which specialize in medication detox and offer a residential setting to get the individual safely off the medication.
When someone have been using benzos on a long term basis and with high dosage, the withdrawal symptoms are severe and will appear 24 to 48 hours or even longer after the last dosage. They can last for weeks and months if not done properly.
Benzodiazepines are depressant drugs so if the individual is taking them with other depressants such as alcohol or opiates, the person can overdose accidentally.
Main effects of benzodiazepines
These are the main effects of benzodiazepines:
- hypnotics (which help to sleep)
- Anxiolytics (to reduce anxiety and produce relaxation);
- Anti-seizure (to reduce the possibility of seizures and convulsions commonly use for alcohol withdrawal)
- Muscle relaxant
- Amnesic (tend to disrupt both short and long term memory).
Common name of benzodiazepines
- Diazepam (Valium)
- Lorazepam (ativan)
- Oxazepam (Serenid-d)
- Chlordiazepoxide (Librium)
- Medazepam (Nobrium)
- Alprazolam (Xanax)
- Clonazepam -- Klonopin (Rivotril)
- Bromazepam (Lexotan)
- Clobazam (Frisium)
- Clorazepate (Tranxene)
- Temazepam (Normison)
- Nitrazepam (Mogadon)
- Flunitrazepam (Rohypnol)
- Flurazepam (Dalmane)
- Loprazolam(Dormonoct)
Benzodiazepine withdrawal symptoms
The withdrawal symptoms includes the following:
- Anxiety
- Irritability
- Sweating
- Tremors
- Sleep disorders
- Depersonalization
- De realization
- Hypersensitivity
- Depression
- Suicidal behaviors
- Psychosis
- Seizures
- Delirium tremors
Remember benzodiazepines are very addictive. It takes about 4 weeks of regular use to be addictive. Most of the time people will need to attend a detox center.
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References:
http://www.1-1detox.co.uk/html/detox_from_benzodiazepines.html