Benzodiazepine Withdrawal
Benzodiazepines are prescription medicines that decrease the activity of (depress) the central nervous system and cause changes in certain brain chemicals (neurotransmitters). Withdrawal is a group of physical and mental symptoms that can happen when you suddenly stop taking a medicine.
There are many types of benzodiazepines. Some benzodiazepines take effect quickly and stay in your system for a short amount of time (short-acting). Other benzodiazepines require more time to take effect and stay in your system for longer amounts of time (long-acting). The five most commonly prescribed benzodiazepines are:
• Alprazolam.
• Lorazepam.
• Clonazepam.
• Diazepam.
• Temazepam.
CAUSES
When you take benzodiazepines, your brain needs more and more of the medicine over time in order to get the same effects from it. This increased need is called tolerance. As you develop a tolerance, your brain adapts to the effects of the benzodiazepine and relies on these effects. This is called dependency. Withdrawal happens when you suddenly stop taking your medicine. This does not give your brain enough time to adapt to not having the medicine. …show more content…
• People who have developed a tolerance for benzodiazepines.
• People who have developed a dependence on benzodiazepines.
• People who take high dosages of benzodiazepines.
• People who take doses of benzodiazepines that are higher than prescribed.
• People who take benzodiazepines without a prescription.
• People who use benzodiazepines with other substances that depress the central nervous system, such as alcohol.
• People who have a history of drug or alcohol abuse.
SYMPTOMS
Symptoms of this condition may
Benzodiazepines are prescription medicines that decrease the activity of (depress) the central nervous system and cause changes in certain brain chemicals (neurotransmitters). Withdrawal is a group of physical and mental symptoms that can happen when you suddenly stop taking a medicine.
There are many types of benzodiazepines. Some benzodiazepines take effect quickly and stay in your system for a short amount of time (short-acting). Other benzodiazepines require more time to take effect and stay in your system for longer amounts of time (long-acting). The five most commonly prescribed benzodiazepines are:
• Alprazolam.
• Lorazepam.
• Clonazepam.
• Diazepam.
• Temazepam.
CAUSES
When you take benzodiazepines, your brain needs more and more of the medicine over time in order to get the same effects from it. This increased need is called tolerance. As you develop a tolerance, your brain adapts to the effects of the benzodiazepine and relies on these effects. This is called dependency. Withdrawal happens when you suddenly stop taking your medicine. This does not give your brain enough time to adapt to not having the medicine. …show more content…
• People who have developed a tolerance for benzodiazepines.
• People who have developed a dependence on benzodiazepines.
• People who take high dosages of benzodiazepines.
• People who take doses of benzodiazepines that are higher than prescribed.
• People who take benzodiazepines without a prescription.
• People who use benzodiazepines with other substances that depress the central nervous system, such as alcohol.
• People who have a history of drug or alcohol abuse.
SYMPTOMS
Symptoms of this condition may