A type of central nervous system depressant, benzodiazepines increase the amount of the inhibitory neurotransmitter gamma-aminobutyric acid, or GABA. The increase in GABA decreases neural activity. Although doctors prescribe benzodiazepines for patients with anxiety or sleep disorders, they do have a high potential for abuse. The Center for Substance Abuse Research at the University of Maryland points out that benzodiazepines are a Schedule IV drug under the Controlled Substances Act. When people continue to use benzodiazepines, they can experience the long-term effects of the drug.
Cognitive Problems
The Center for Substance Abuse Research notes that benzodiazepines take a long time to leave the body, which can lead to cognition problems. For example, users may become disoriented and confused, which affects their attention. Benzodiazepines can affect memory, making it difficulty for patients to remember new information or recall stored information. Users can have impaired judgment and thinking.
Problems with Mood and Affect
While benzodiazepines can treat anxiety, the long-term effects of the drug can cause negative changes to mood and affect. For example, the NSW Health website points out that users can become irritable, which is a symptom of anxiety. Some people may have lack of energy, which can affect their daily activities. A serious long-term effect of benzodiazepines is depression, a mood disorder in which the patient constantly has a low mood. While depressed, a person may feel hopeless and helpless and have a poor outlook on life. Depression can affect sleep, appetite and interest in activities. If the depression caused by benzodiazepines becomes severe, users may start having suicidal thoughts.
Movement Difficulties
The long-term effects of benzodiazepines can impair users' mobility. The Center for Substance Abuse Research explains that users may have muscle weakness, which can affect how easily they move. For example, if the muscle weakness occurs in a user's arm, she may have problems lifting items. Benzodiazepine users may also have a lack of coordination, causing them to fall easily.
Feeling Ill
Some benzodiazepine users may start feeling ill after long-term use of the drug. NSW Health points out that users may feel sick to their stomach. Long-term use may also result in headaches.
Other Long-Term Effects
Benzodiazepines can affect other areas of the body. For example, NSW Health notes that women who use benzodiazepines may have menstrual problems, such as bleeding in between periods or changes in menstrual flow. Both male and female users may have a decreased interest in sex. Some people may have trouble reaching an orgasm during intercourse. Benzodiazepines can cause an increase in appetite and weight. Other long-term effects include nightmares and skin rashes.
