Common Side Effects of Benzos
Benzodiazepines, or benzos as they are often known, include the familiar brand name drugs Xanax and Valium. These are some of the most commonly prescribed drugs in the United States because they have been proven effective in treating anxiety, seizure disorders, and panic attacks. Unfortunately, these drugs can be highly addictive, even when used as initially prescribed by your doctor. Eventually, some people may require benzo addiction treatment to break the cycle of benzo abuse.
If you or someone in your life was prescribed but is now struggling with benzo addiction, reach out to the medical team at Alina Lodge online or call 833.685.1700 today. Our team is ready and willing to discuss the side effects of benzos and how our benzo addiction treatment program can help with recovery.
What Are Benzos? What Do They Do?
Benzodiazepines are prescription medications that, when used correctly, work to slow down activity in the central nervous system. These drugs are designed to treat mental health disorders by producing sensations of relaxation, sedation, and offer a person much-needed relief. In the process, the benzos reduce the symptoms experienced by people suffering from ailments, such as:
- Anxiety
- Panic attacks
- Seizure disorders
- Muscle spasms
- Withdrawal symptoms during an alcohol detox
The use of benzos is now widespread in the United States. Millions of people across the country struggle every day with benzo addiction. Unfortunately, addiction doesn’t discriminate and affects people from all walks of life.
The five most commonly prescribed benzos are:
- Alprazolam (brand name Xanax)
- Lorazepam (Ativan)
- Clonazepam (Klonopin)
- Diazepam (Valium)
- Temazepam (Restoril)
Common Side Effects of Benzos
There are many common side effects of benzos. Some of these are mild in those who have used benzos for a short period of time, while others may experience an overdose in the case of benzo abuse. Some of the short term effects of low doses of benzos could potentially include:
- Nausea and vomiting
- Diarrhea
- Drowsiness
- Slurred speech
- Tremors
- Difficulty breathing
Higher dosages of benzos, or if they are used recreationally, may result in side effects including:
- Slower reflexes
- Mood swings
- Euphoria
- Extreme drowsiness
- Erratic behavior
When used regularly and over a long period of time, benzodiazepines can build up in the body and have dramatic and dangerous side effects of benzos, including:
- Severely impaired judgment
- Extreme disorientation
- Muscle weakness
- Alzheimer’s disease
- Dysarthria
- Overdose
Even after benzo abuse has been treated and a person is in recovery, the decline in cognitive thinking and the ability to function again and succeed at work or school may not improve for months. For this reason, it is crucial to address benzo abuse immediately. Facing benzo addiction at Alina Lodge means you will receive professional care in a safe, friendly environment. You can overcome this addiction, and we can help.
What Happens During Benzos Addiction Treatment?
To remove every trace of the benzos from your system, you will go through a medical detox at Alina Lodge and be monitored to keep you safe and comfortable through withdrawal. Once on the other side of the addiction, you can begin to recover in a benzo addiction treatment program and learn skills for coping with cravings. You will go through therapy to learn healthier ways to relax and reduce stress, learn the role nutrition and sleep play in your benzos addiction treatment, and work toward living a happier, healthier life.
Partner with Alina Lodge to Overcome Benzo Addiction
If you use benzos for more than what they were prescribed to help with and can see the side effects of benzos in yourself or a loved one, our Alina Lodge team can help. Contact us using our secure online form or call us confidentially at 833.685.1700 today.
