Description of Benzodiazepine

A benzodiazepine is a type of medication used for its sedative and anti-anxiety effects on the body. There are many forms of benzodiazepines on the market, but they all have essentially the same effect. Benzodiazepine is an addictive substance that can cause severe withdrawal, and this type of substance should never be used without a prescription and the supervision of a physician.

Identification

• Benzodiazepines are prescription medications used for their depressive effects on neurological functions. The molecular structure of this type of medication includes a benzene and diazepine ring, hence the name "benzodiazepine." In a prescription medication form, benzodiazepine is usually prescribed as an oral tablet medication. According to the Center for Substance Abuse Research, benzodiazepine medications are the most widely prescribed depressant medications in the United States.

Uses

• Once ingested, a benzodiazepine acts on a neurotransmitter located within the brain known as GABA (gamma-amino butyric acid). GABA neurotransmitters slow motor neurons and benzodiazepine enhances GABA functions. In addition, two benzodiazepine receptors on the cells in the body cause sedative and anti-anxiety effects when exposed to benzodiazepine. The resulting effects on GABA neurotransmitters and benzodiazepine receptors have an overall depressive effect on nerve impulse actions in the body. Due to the relaxing effect of this type of substance, benzodiazepine medications are prescribed as a sedative, anti-anxiety, muscle relaxant and anticonvulsant.

Types

• There are a variety of benzodiazepine medications on the market. Some of these medications are fast-acting and quickly eliminated from the body, while other types are slower to act but may, over time, accumulate in the body tissues. All types of benzodiazepines have the same types of depressive effects in the body. Types of benzodiazepine medications include: alprazolam (brand name Xanax), bromazepam, chlordiazepoxide, clobazam, clonazepam, diazepam (brand name Valium), flurazepam, midazolam, oxazepam, prazepam and triazolam.

Side Effects

• The side effects of benzodiazepine are quite noticeable and include: lethargy or fatigue, confusion, depression, slurred speech and tremors. Severe side effects of benzodiazepine use may include nausea, vomiting and diarrhea. Long-term use of benzodiazepine may result in addiction, muscle weakness and lack of coordination, impaired memory or judgment, and confusion. Persons who are taking benzodiazepine medication for more than six months often develop a tolerance to the drug which may require a higher dosage or a prescription that includes an additional benzodiazepine agent.

Warning

• A benzodiazepine should only be used under the advice, care and supervision of a physician. This is a prescription medication that has the potential to cause serious addiction and withdrawal symptoms, and persons using benzodiazepine medications should never abruptly stop using their medication without medical supervision and instructions. Overdose of benzodiazepine medications, or combining benzodiazepine medication with alcohol or other types of prescriptions, may cause severe respiratory depression and death. Benzodiazepine medications must not be used by persons with mental disorders, a history of addiction, and women who are pregnant or nursing.