In addition to slowing down activity in the central nervous system, GABA also reduces activity in brain regions responsible for rational thought, memory, emotions, and breathing.
This means that excessive benzodiazepine use can lead to:. When this happens, users can feel more anxious, stressed, and fearful than they did before taking benzodiazepines. This means that alcohol and benzodiazepines affect the brain in similar ways.
Alcohol increases GABA sensitivity while stimulating dopamine release and suppressing the effects of glutamate. Because of this, alcohol can cause depression, intoxication, and pleasure simultaneously.
High doses of benzodiazepine consumed over a long period of time can also cause brain damage similar to that caused by alcohol. The symptoms can include:. According to a study, using benzodiazepines can lead to a 50 percent increase in the probability of developing dementia later in life.
The study followed 1, men and women who were dementia free. None of the participants started taking benzodiazepines until the third year of the study. After a year follow-up, cases of dementia were discovered. Data from a study conducted at the University of Bordeaux analyzed long-term benzodiazepine use among 10, elderly men and women in Canada.
Here at StoneRidge Centers, we believe that the brain is the most important organ in the body. We also know that the brain is delicate and must be cared for. Prolonged use of medicines such as benzodiazepines can negatively affect the brain and cause:. Our treatment programs combine world-class brain science with compassionate care and we can customize them to fit your specific needs.
We can help improve the health of your brain. Let us help you get there. Contact us today to learn more. Because mental health and addiction concerns are so often interconnected, we utilize research-based approaches with evidence-based outcomes that promote overall healing and recovery. Copper Hill Dr. We exercise progressive, leading brain science in our treatment approach for patients in our community and across the country who are struggling with mental health and addiction challenges.
The resulting increase in the concentration of Cl- ions in the post-synaptic neuron immediately hyperpolarizes this neuron, thus making it less excitable. Barbiturates bind to another site on the GABA receptor, with similar effects. But the advantage of benzodiazepines is that, unlike barbiturates, they do not open the Cl- channels directly, but instead act more subtly by potentiating the effect of GABA. Mixing benzodiazepines with alcohol is still very dangerous, however, because their respective effects on the Cl- channels can be additive.
We now know that benzodiazepines can cause a drug dependency even in what are considered therapeutic doses, and even in a short course of treatment. For a description of the effects of benzodiazepines and the risks of dependency associated with them, click on the following links:. Funding for this site is provided by readers like you. Pleasure-Seeking Behaviour. Avoiding Pain.
Benzodiazepines Benzodiazepines, such as diazepam Valium and clonazepam Rivotril are anxiolytics that can also have hypnotic or amnesia-inducing effects. A person should always tell their doctor about any other drugs that they are using and seek medical help at once if any unexpected reactions occur. Anyone who has concerns about their prescription for a benzodiazepine can ask their doctor about alternative options.
Benzodiazepine withdrawal can vary in severity. Learn more about benzo withdrawal, including the common symptoms and the coping strategies that people…. Anxiety disorders involve a disproportionate emotional and physical reaction to stressful or even neutral life events and daily living. Treatment for…. Doctors often prescribe medications and counseling, but diet can also make a difference.
Motor neuron disease MND affects the nerves that enable movement, causing muscles in the body to deteriorate. Learn more here. What is idiopathic intracranial hypertension? Read on to learn more about this rare condition, including its symptoms, risk factors, and treatments.
The benefits and risks of benzodiazepines. Medically reviewed by Alan Carter, Pharm. Uses Function Types Side effects Interactions Misuse Takeaway Benzodiazepines are a class of drugs that can treat a range of conditions. Name Use alprazolam panic and anxiety disorders chlordiazepoxide Librium alcohol withdrawal and anxiety diazepam panic attacks, restless leg syndrome, insomnia, seizures, and alcohol withdrawal flurazepam Dalmane insomnia clonazepam panic disorder and seizure disorders lorazepam anxiety, seizures, and anesthesia temazepam Restoril insomnia.
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