In 2022, Pinellas County had the second-highest rate of overdoses in Florida, despite an overall decrease for the Sunshine State. While most of these are likely related to opioids, there is no ruling out the silent substances on the backburner taking lives, including benzodiazepines.
Did you know your loved one was taking substances illicitly? Could you have recognized the different benzo side effects and stepped in sooner? Is there still time to help them now, before an overdose occurs?
We understand your concerns here at Tranquil Shores, which is why we provide education to our Gulf Coast communities with our blog. Today, let’s examine the side effects of benzodiazepines, what to look for in a loved one, and where to get help.
The Purpose of Benzodiazepines: What Are They Used For?
Benzodiazepines are in their own class of medication, often used in treating seizure disorders, insomnia, and anxiety. They are only available by prescription and have been approved by the Food and Drug Administration. When taken as prescribed, benzos can be beneficial in short-term and sometimes long-term scenarios. However, benzos also have a reputation for illicit use, and can cause negative side effects that can last short and long-term.
Short-Term Side Effects of Benzodiazepines
All medications tend to have some form of side effects when you first begin taking them. However, most are short-lived when taken as prescribed. Common short-term effects of benzodiazepines include:
- Dizziness
- Drowsiness
- Confusion
- Memory problems
- Lack of coordination
It is important to wait to see how benzos affect you before driving a vehicle. If the effects become too much or are interfering with your day-to-day life, talk to your doctor about lowering the dose or switching medications. Benzos affect motor function mostly, and taking too much can result in accidents or injury.
Long-Term Side Effects of Benzodiazepines
Long-term side effects of benzos are similar to the short-term, however, they tend to cause further impairment. Memory loss, paranoia, mood swings, and increases in depression and anxiety can all occur from taking benzodiazepines for a prolonged period. The brain can become dependent on benzos, causing withdrawal symptoms between doses that can be uncomfortable. It is important to note that dependence can occur even when taking them as prescribed. This does not mean the person is addicted to them, and they can work with their doctor to taper off and avoid the discomfort of withdrawal.
Taking Benzos Illicitly: How They Affect the Mind and Body
As we mentioned above, dependence does not equate to addiction. However, those taking benzodiazepines illicitly are more likely to develop a benzo use disorder. Taking substances illicitly often stems from trying to fix a current problem or situation. The person may be going through emotional or mental stress from relationships or careers. Financial difficulties could be putting extra strain on their shoulders. Turning to benzos causes pleasure in the brain, making the person feel good. They want this response again, therefore continue to take the medication. As dependence and tolerance rise, it takes more to achieve these effects, beginning the cycle of benzo use disorder.
But what effects does this have? Let’s look at this further.
Behavioral Signs of Benzodiazepine Use Disorder
When recognizing a benzo use disorder, behavioral signs are often the biggest change noticeable. Benzos work by heightening the effects of neurotransmitters in the brain, specifically gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA). This is what gives benzodiazepines their calming effect, but it also causes memory problems.
GABA helps with sensory processing, learning, and memory conversion. Benzos cause a rise and fall in this neurotransmitter which affects behaviors. The person may engage in activities they wouldn’t normally do and often feels more reckless and invincible. As GABA returns to a normal state, the short-term memories made during the peak are not moved to long-term storage. The person may have gaps or no memory of the events during their benzo use. They may have engaged in negative behaviors such as stealing or cheating and have no recollection of the events. This increases the strain on all relationships in the person’s life.
Physical Signs of Benzo Use Disorder
It can be difficult to recognize the physical effects of benzodiazepine use disorder due to the mildness they have on the body. Some may experience headaches, blurred vision, and dry mouth, but these effects do not typically interfere with the person’s life.
There are rare and serious physical complications that can occur from benzo use disorder. In some cases, certain benzos such as Xanax can cause liver injury and damage. Jaundice – yellowing of the skin and whites of the eyes – is the first sign of this and requires medical attention. Another rare side effect is gynecomastia which is the development of breasts in those born male. Low blood pressure can also occur which can lead to fainting and injuries from falls.
When benzo use is stopped abruptly, a condition nicknamed “benzo belly” can occur. This describes gastrointestinal symptoms including constipation, bloating, and nausea that happen during benzo withdrawal. These symptoms can be uncomfortable and can last for weeks even after benzo use has stopped.
Taking too large of a dose of benzos at once can also result in an overdose. Symptoms of an overdose can look similar to intoxication and include respiratory depression, slowed heart rate, altered mental state, and loss of coordination. A benzo overdose can be life-threatening and should be addressed by medical professionals immediately.
Psychological Signs of Benzodiazepine Use Disorder
Psychological and behavioral symptoms tend to go hand-in-hand and play off of each other. Though benzos are meant to treat anxiety, they can begin to have the opposite effect the longer they are taken. As anxiety increases, depression and mood swings can also rise. This also leads to erratic behaviors that the person normally wouldn’t experience.
Benzodiazepines have also been linked to causing hallucinations, delusions, and psychosis. This typically occurs for two reasons: withdrawal or polysubstance use. Anytime someone combines more than one substance, they risk having an adverse reaction. Alcohol, antidepressants, and illicit substances can all interact in the brain with benzos, resulting in an altered state of mind.
Withdrawal is one of the largest concerns for adverse psychological reactions. Though the physical symptoms of benzo withdrawal are often only moderately uncomfortable, the psychological ones tend to be the most severe. The brain is trying to signal a need for more, causing delusions and hallucinations. The person will lose the concept of reality and have an extreme distrust of others. Those trying to help may be seen as threats and the person may respond with violence. These psychological symptoms can be harmful to the person and those around them. Seek medical help if someone you love is showing psychological signs of benzo use disorder or withdrawal.
Treatment for Benzodiazepine Use Disorder in Pinellas County, FL
The side effects of benzodiazepine use disorder can wreak havoc on the mind and create an added strain on relationships, job performance, and financial stability. But it doesn’t have to last forever, there is hope for a brighter tomorrow. Rehab for benzo addiction is available and can help you take that first step into recovery. Therapies, family counseling, and coping skill development will give you the tools needed to leave benzos behind and rekindle relationships and your health.
Managing a benzodiazepine use disorder can feel like a weight in your mind, holding you back from what you need and want to do in life. Tranquil Shores has a full rehab program right on the beach that caters to individual needs and helps you accomplish your goals. We understand that addiction affects everyone, not just the person taking benzos. Our program includes family therapy to promote healing and understanding for all loved ones. Call us today at 727-391-7001 for the peaceful and private treatment you deserve.
FAQs About the Side Effects of Benzodiazepine
What is the most common side effect of benzodiazepines?
The most common short-term side effects of benzodiazepines are dizziness, confusion, and lack of coordination. The most common long-term side effects of benzodiazepines are memory loss, mood swings, and dependence.
What is benzo belly?
Benzo belly refers to the gastrointestinal symptoms that can occur during withdrawal. Nausea, constipation, and bloating can happen when benzo use stops abruptly and can occur for weeks after use has discontinued.
