Benzodiazepine Long-Term Effects
Benzodiazepines are tranquilizing drugs most commonly prescribed to treat anxiety and insomnia. Well-known types include alprazolam (Xanax), chlordiazepoxide (Librium) and diazepam (Valium). Benzodiazepines are addictive and have a high potential for abuse.
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Tolerance
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People can become tolerant to benzodiazepines, particularly if they take the drug regularly for 6 months or longer. Tolerance may result in the person taking the drug more often than prescribed or at higher doses than prescribed.
Psychological Effects
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People taking benzodiazepines over long time frames can become chronically over-sedated with effects of confusion, disorientation, impaired judgment and memory loss.
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Physical Effects
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Physical symptoms of long-term benzodiazepine use include lack of coordination, slow or unsteady gait, muscle weakness and slurred speech.
Relationship Effects
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Clinical psychopharmacology professor Heather Ashton of Newcastle University in England states that long-term benzodiazepine use negatively impacts family life because the patients are always "in a sort of daze."
Withdawal
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Because benzodiazepines are physically addicting, the patient must discontinue usage gradually to avoid withdrawal symptoms. Sudden discontinuation can cause nausea and vomiting, hallucinations, insomnia, panic attacks, rapid heart rate and seizures and can even be fatal.
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