Substance Abuse
Definitions and Symptoms
Benzodiazepines
Definition:
Benzodiazepines are medicines that help relieve nervousness, tension, and other symptoms by slowing the central nervous system. Benzodiazepines are a type of anti-anxiety drugs. While anxiety is a normal response to stressful situations, some people have unusually high levels of anxiety that can interfere with everyday life. For these people, benzodiazepines can help bring their feelings under control. The medicine can also relieve troubling symptoms of anxiety, such as pounding heartbeat, breathing problems, irritability, nausea, and faintness.
Withdrawal Reaction of Benzodiazepine:
- Tremor
- Fatigue
- Loss of appetite
- Nausea and vomiting
- Restlessness
- Worry (Anxiety)
- Headache and muscle pain
- Depression
- Increased blood pressure
- Palpitation
- Insomnia
- 1 Poor memory
- 1 Impaired attention
- 1 Delusion
- 1 Suspiciousness
- 1 Convulsion
- 1 Loss of consciousness
Psychological Effects:
- Risk of dependency
- Confusion
- Loss of memory (Amnesia)
Physiological Effects:
- No function (Sedation)
- Dizziness
- Respiratory depression
- Accidents, e.g., traffic accidents, falls
