About Benzodiazepines

Benzodiazepines work in the central nervous system by enhancing the effects of the neurotransmitter gamma-aminobutyric acid or GABA at the GABA-A receptor sites. This causes a sedating, anti-anxiolytic, hypnotic, muscle relaxant, anti-convulsing, amnesic, and euphoric effect. For this reason, benzodiazepines are commonly used for conditions such as anxiety, seizure disorders, insomnia, muscle spasms, and alcohol withdrawal.

Types of Benzodiazepines

There are different classes of benzodiazepine drugs: short, intermediate and long acting. The long acting categories are generally used for anxiety type disorders while the short and intermediate are generally preferred for insomnia and muscle spasms.

Side Effects of Benzodiazepines

The most common side effects of short-term use include drowsiness, dizziness, decreased alertness and concentration. In the elderly population, impaired driving skills and increased rate of falls leading to hip and femur fractures are reported. Common sexual side effects are a decreased libido and problems getting an erection. In addition depression and dis-inhibition may emerge as a consequence of benzodiazepine use.

These drugs are said to be safe and effective in the short-term use and there is no risk of death upon overdose. However, it is known that even short-term use of these drugs effects several areas of cognition. Most importantly it interferes with the consolidation of new memories and may include complete anterograde amnesia (the loss of the ability to create new memories/memory loss). In the elderly population the general side effects and cognitive impairment are amplified.

Withdrawal Symptoms

Long-term use is very controversial due to increased questioning of the effectiveness of these drugs, the psychological and physical side effects, and the likelihood of developing a tolerance and physical dependence on the drug. Cessation or abrupt decrease in dose after long term (as little as 3-4 weeks) use causes a withdrawal syndrome which includes tremors, agitation, insomnia, fearfulness, and muscle spasms. In some cases withdrawal can include suicidal behavior, seizures, psychosis, delirium tremens.

Withdrawal symptoms after only short-term use most commonly include anxiety, autonomic instability (i.e., increased blood pressure and heart rate, sweating), and insomnia. Serious withdrawal symptoms include seizures and delirium tremens which are usually observed after abrupt discontinuation of the drug. Severity of symptoms depends on the duration, dosage, and the rate at which the drug is tapered.

These drugs have developed a reputation with physicians and patients for having a severe and traumatic withdrawal process, even when the patient is properly weaned off the medication.

Getting Off Benzodiazepines Safely

Many people try getting off benzodiazepines by themselves. Dr. Heather Ashton created a protocol to wean off benzodiazepines safely (The Ashton Method, see our resources section) taking into account the starting dose and the strength of the benzodiazepine.

Hawaii Naturopathic Retreat, offers a safe and pain free detoxification with infrared sauna, castor oil packs, exercise, IV therapy, hydrotherapy baths, raw food nutrition and supplements, followed by a lifestyle change education process with counseling, exercise, yoga and mindfulness exercises. Each person receives a treatment adapted to their personal medical and psychological history.