While effective in the short term, long term use of benzodiazepines for insomnia may lead to dependence and withdrawal. Benzodiazepine’s hypnotic properties can induce a feeling of sleepiness, making it easier to fall asleep.

Insomnia – Insomnia is a sleep disorder characterized by difficulty falling asleep and/or staying asleep.

For support with detoxification, Chapman House offers benzodiazepine addiction treatment made to help you on the road to recovery. This calming feeling can also lead to addiction and dependence on the drug. While this is beneficial for anxiety, slowing down brain activity too much can be dangerous, especially when benzodiazepines are combined with other drugs such as opioids or alcohol. By increasing the activity of GABA, benzodiazepines “slow things down” in our brain, which is why they are effective at treating conditions such as anxiety and epilepsy. How Benzodiazepines Work in the Brainīenzodiazepines work by enhancing the effect of a natural chemical in our brain called GABA (gamma-aminobutyric acid), the primary inhibitory neurotransmitter of our central nervous system. Listed below are examples of common prescription benzodiazepines.īenzodiazepines also go by street names such as benzos, downers, planks and tranks.

While safer than barbiturates and unlikely to cause significant harm when used appropriately, long term use of benzodiazepines must be approached carefully. If you or a loved one has developed a dependence, Chapman House can help with benzodiazepine addiction treatment catered to your needs.īenzodiazepines were initially introduced as a safer alternative to barbiturates, a dangerous class of drugs similar in effect to benzodiazepines.

Once dependent, withdrawal from benzodiazepines can be deadly. Tolerance develops quickly and long term use of benzodiazepines can lead to both physical and psychological dependence. While benzodiazepines are invaluable for the treatment of these conditions, their potential for addiction and extensive side effect profile make them as dangerous as they are useful. Benzodiazepines are a class of prescription-only central nervous3.5 system (CNS) depressants used for the treatment of several conditions including anxiety disorder, seizure disorder, muscle spasms, insomnia and alcohol dependence.

Antidote to benzodiazepine