A benzodiazepine is a class of drugs widely prescribed in the United States and used mainly to treat anxiety and to cause sedation. There are at least 15 types of benzodiazepine drugs, including long-acting and short-acting ones. The most commonly prescribed benzodiazepine drugs are alprazolam (Xanax), lorazepam (Ativan) and clonazepam (Klonopin).
Uses
Benzodiazepines were introduced to the public in the 1950s. While often prescribed for anxiety, they are also used for other psychological conditions such as insomnia and for physical conditions such as convulsions and muscle spasms. Benzodiazepines are typically given in pill form, but doctors and nurses may inject a benzodiazepine drug such as midazolam (Versed) for certain medical procedures such as colonoscopies and surgeries. The drugs work by increasing a key brain chemical called gamma-amino butyric acid, or GABA. This chemical may slow or stop nerve impulses going through the body, thus producing a sense of relaxation. The chemical effect is similar to that produced by alcohol, which is why it can be dangerous to drink while taking benzodiazepines.
Physical Dependence
While very effective, continuous use of benzodiazepine medications may lead to physical dependency and addiction. People regularly taking benzodiazepines may develop a tolerance for the drugs after about six months. Thus, higher dosages may required to make the drugs work in those cases. Physical dependence is commonly reported among people taking benzodiazapines for long periods, and abruptly stopping the drugs could cause withdrawal symptoms. For those quitting benzodiazepine drugs, doctors recommend gradually reducing or tapering dosages.
Side Effects
Depending on the dose and the person, benzodiazepine drugs may impair thinking and memory while causing drowsiness, lethargy and fatigue. Other possible side effects include confusion, depression, altered or slurred speech, vision distortions, digestive problems, vertigo, tremors and difficulty breathing. Benzodiazepine drugs at high doses may cause extreme mood swings, along with hostile and erratic behavior.
Abuse, Misuse and Use
Benzodiazepines may be abused or misused, especially by people taking them with alcohol or opiates. Benzodiazepines were found in an estimated 330,000 patients visiting emergency rooms during 2008 in the United States, according to the Drug Abuse Warning Network. However, the number of prescriptions written for benzodiazpines drugs is significant. In 2008, for example, 43.6 million prescriptions were written for alprazolam, which has been the most prescribed benzodiazepine drug for years, according to the October 2009 "AARP Bulletin." Also in 2008, 22 million prescriptions were written for lorazepam and 21 million prescriptions for clonazepam--the second- and third-most prescribed of the benezodiazepines.
Date Rape Drug
Flunitrazepam (Rohypnol) is the benzodiazepine drug that might be the most recognized. Known commonly as the "date rape drug" or as a "roofie," flunitrazepam is extremely potent, particularly when combined with alcohol, according to a fact sheet form the Wisconsin Coalition Against Sexual Assault. It acts within an hour or two and may last up to 10 hours. Flunitrazepam is a sleeping pill that was never approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration for use in the United States, but it has been imported illegally, according to the Center for Substance Abuse Research. Laws were passed in 1996 intended to curb its distribution and use. Punishment for importing or distributing flunitrazepam includes up to 20 years in prison and a fine. Those who possess the drug can receive a fine and three years in prison.
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