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Benzodiazepines are commonly used in the treatment of a number of psychological and neurological disorders. So what is a benzodiazepine and what does it do?
1. What is a benzodiazepine?
Benzodiazepines are not a drug, it is a class of sedatives that can be addictive. Doctors often prescribe drugs in this class to treat epileptic seizures, anxiety, and insomnia.
The short-term use of benzodiazepines is generally safe and effective. However, long-term use of this group of drugs can cause addiction and counterproductive effects. In addition, drug overdose or combination with alcohol will lead to death.
2. What are the effects of Benzodiazepines?
Benzodiazepines are effective in the treatment of a wide range of psychological and neurological disorders. The drug acts on the nerve cells that cause the stress and anxiety response.
These disorders include:
Insomnia : Benzodiazepines are usually only used as a short-term treatment for severe insomnia because it can lead to addiction. Generalized Anxiety Disorder (GAD): Benzodiazepines are commonly used in the treatment of generalized anxiety disorder. However, experts recommend using only for a short time no more than 1 month. Seizures: Benzodiazepines are powerful anticonvulsants and are highly effective in preventing prolonged seizures. Alcohol withdrawal: The most commonly prescribed drugs for alcohol withdrawal are chlodiazepoxide followed by diazepam, both of which are in the benzodiazepines group. These medications help remove toxins from the body and reduce the risk of severe alcohol withdrawal symptoms. Panic attacks: Because of their rapid onset of anti-anxiety effects, benzodiazepines are very effective in the treatment of anxiety associated with panic disorder. Benzodiazepines work by enhancing the effects of the neurotransmitter GABA. GABA is a sedative neurotransmitter that slows down activity in the brain and reduces symptoms of anxiety. These drugs also contain substances that add to the calming effect of the body and keep the brain in a more sedated state.
Benzodiazepin là nhóm thuốc an thần có thể gây nghiện
3. Benzodiazepine drugs
Benzodiazepines have many drugs. These drugs differ in potency, how long they are absorbed into the body, and intended use. Here are some common medications of the benzodiazepines:
Alprazolam is commonly used to treat panic and anxiety disorders. Chlordiazepoxide is commonly used to manage alcohol withdrawal syndrome. Clorazepate is commonly used to treat insomnia and severe anxiety disorders. Diazepam is a rapidly acting anxiolytic, hypnotic, sedative and anticonvulsant. It is used to treat panic attacks, seizures, restless legs syndrome, insomnia, and alcohol withdrawal. Diazepam is also used in the treatment of benzodiazepine abuse due to its low potency. Estazolam is a sedative and anxiolytic medication commonly prescribed for short-term treatment of insomnia. Flurazepam is a sedative, anxiolytic medication commonly used to treat mild to moderate insomnia. Oxazepam is commonly used to treat anxiety and insomnia, and it can also control alcohol withdrawal symptoms. Temazepam is an approved medication for the short-term treatment of insomnia. Triazolam is used to treat severe insomnia.
4. Possible side effects when using Benzodiazepines
Possible side effects of using Benzodiazepines can include:
Drowsiness Confusion Dizziness Dizziness Tremors Poor coordination Vision problems Confused Feeling depressed Headache Prolonged use Long-term benzodiazepines can lead to physical dependence. Dependence can start after taking the drug for at least a month, even at the prescribed dose.
Benzodiazepine withdrawal symptoms include difficulty sleeping, feeling depressed, and sweating. However, children with signs of drug dependence should not stop taking the drug suddenly.
Stopping Benzodiazepines suddenly can lead to tremors, muscle cramps, and life-threatening seizures. Therefore, you should gradually reduce the dose of benzodiazepines as prescribed by your doctor.
Người bệnh có thể gặp tình trạng đau đầu khi dùng thuốc nhóm Benzodiazepin
5. Is it dangerous to use an overdose of Benzodiazepines?
Overdosage of benzodiazepines is rarely fatal unless the drug is used in combination with barbiturates, opioids, alcohol, or tricyclic antidepressants.
The most common symptoms of benzodiazepine overdose are:
Central nervous system depression Intoxication Loss of balance and motor control. In addition, the patient may also speak slowly. People with an overdose of benzodiazepines will be observed and supported by medical staff until the body has eliminated the drug on its own.
You can become addicted to Benzodiazepines despite taking them exactly as prescribed by your doctor. People with a history of substance abuse or alcohol abuse are more likely to become addicted to drugs in this class of drugs.
If you use benzodiazepines for a long time, you may become addicted. You will then need a higher dose of medicine to treat a health condition or disease. Symptoms of Benzodiazepine addiction include:
Having disturbed dreams Irritability Hostile attitude Loss of memory Difficulty sleeping Diarrhea Vomiting Nausea Goose bumps Uncontrolled leg movements Bone and muscle pain Reality shows that it is difficult to recover from an addiction to benzodiazepines because these drugs alter brain chemistry. Doctors will gradually reduce the dose of benzodiazepines to reduce the severity of withdrawal symptoms during treatment.
Benzodiazepines can be fatal to pregnant women. Therefore, you should inform your doctor if you are pregnant or suspect that you are pregnant so that the doctor can prescribe an effective medicine.
Benzodiazepines can pass into breast milk and cause lethargy and weight loss in the infant. Therefore, this group of drugs should not be used in women who are breastfeeding.
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