Benzodiazepine Withdrawal Syndrome
Gene V
Gene V
This is a list of side effects that may result from the use of
benzodiazepines
So-called "Paradoxical" Effects
According to professor Malcolm Lader, 5% of those using
benzodiazepines may be affected by so-called "paradoxical" reactions
in response to the drugs rather than the desired tranquillising
effects. Such reactions include increased aggressiveness (in some
individuals even violent behaviour), depression (with or without
suicidal thoughts or intentions), and sometimes personality changes.
In some instances, reactions such as hallucinations,
depersonalization, derealization and other psychotic symptoms occur.
Ativan (lorazepam) and Halcion (triazolam) in particular may produce
dissociation and other psychiatric symptoms.
"Paradoxical" side effects occur in all age groups but are more likely
to be found in children and in the elderly where they may be fairly
frequent yet erroneously diagnosed as various psychiatric disorders.
The risk of such reactions is generally greater with short-acting
compounds but may occur with all benzodiazepine drugs. It is
important to remember that the "paradoxical" reactions can also be
encountered in short-term use and, in rare cases, even following the
first ingestion of the drug.
Long-term Side Effects
All the psychological changes mentioned above may occur as long-term
side effects when the use (or abuse) has become chronic i.e. has been
going on for many months or even years. The frequency of such side
effects is significantly higher than the frequency of "paradoxical"
side effects. The long-term effects include depression, querulousness
or aggression, and subtle personality changes. Further, fatigue,
passivity and symptoms of memory and cognitive impairment may ensue.
Tolerance with inter-dose withdrawal exists when the originally
prescribed dosage no longer produces the original effect, and the
patient experiences drug withdrawal although he/she is still taking
the preparation. This may lead to an increase of dosage, or more
often, result in long-term use. Over time, the above-mentioned
long-term side effects may develop. The risk of this course of events
is greater with compounds with short half-lives such as Ativan
(lorazepam), Halcion (triazolam), Xanax (alprazolam), Rohypnol
(flunitrazepam) and even Serax/Serenid (oxazepam). In addition to the
symptomatology described under "Paradoxical Effects", phobias, OCD,
and various neurological symptoms such as tinnitus may occur as
long-term side effects.
Psychomotor Side Effects
Benzodiazepines may cause psychomotor impairment, and several studies
have shown an increased risk of road accidents in drivers under the
influence of benzodiazepine drugs. The risk of other accidents, for
example in industrial workshops, may be increased as well. The
elderly are particularly vulnerable to these psychomotor effects and
may also develop dysarthria and ataxia. The risk of falls and
fractures is pronounced in this population when tranquillisers are
used on a regular basis.
Cognitive Side Effects
Memory functioning is markedly and measurably impaired, especially the
ability to store acquired knowledge into long-term memory. This
memory impairment is highly relevant to students. The risk of acute
amnesia is more pronounced with short-acting drugs. Ativan
(lorazepam), Halcion (triazolam), Xanax (alprazolam) and Rohypnol
(flunitrazepam) are especially likely to induce such memory
impairment.
Gene V
Benzodiazepines not for chronic pain:
http://uhs.bsd.uchicago.edu/~bhsiung/tips/split/Benzodiazepines-not-for-ch.html
Gene V
Depending on the particular medications you are taking, the answer
could be an emphatic "no"!
Howard Day
From what I could read, this was an excellent article.
Jeannie
nospam
In article <lu4oesgc68cf1c9da...@4ax.com>, Gene V
This is great information, Gene!
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