Benzodiazepines areorganicchemical substances, made of two carbon rings. Certain benzodiazepines can be used asdrugs that increase the effect of theneurotransmitterGABA. The resulting drug hassedative effects. Depending on the drug, the effect may be stronger or weaker. The first benzodiazepine,chlordiazepoxide (Librium), was discovered accidentally byLeo Sternbach in 1955, and made available in 1960 by the medicine companyHoffmann–La Roche.
In general taking benzodiazepines is safe and effective in the short term. Longer term use iscontroversial: In the long term, the drug may become less effective and problems of dependency may show.
Benzodiazepines may not be safe to be taken duringpregnancy. They are notteratogens, which cause birth defects, but they may causecleft palate in a small number of babies. Benzodiazepines can be taken inoverdoses and can cause dangerousdeep unconsciousness. However, they are much lesstoxic than the drugs they replaced, thebarbiturates. Death rarely results when a benzodiazepine is the only drug taken. When combined with othercentral nervous system depressants such asalcohol andopiates, the potential for toxicity increases.[1] Benzodiazepines are commonly misused and taken in combination with otherdrugs of abuse.[2][3][4][5]
Benzodiazepines affect thecentral nervous system, increasing the effects of the inhibitory neurotransmitter known as GABA. This results in a person experiencing a sensation of calmness and sedation, resulting in feeling more relaxed, less anxious, and increased drowsiness. When people use benzodiazepines, even under a doctor’s care, they can develop a tolerance, which means that they will require increasingly larger doses to achieve the desired effects. With escalating use and at higher doses, a person may find that they require the drug to feel and function normally. This indicates the development of dependence which, once established, may result in a person experiencing symptoms ofwithdrawal.[6]
Long-term, compulsive, or otherwise problematic use of benzodiazepines can lead to significant physical dependence and a higher risk of experiencing severe withdrawal symptoms, which may includeseizures andhallucinations. Supervised medical treatment is usually recommended for people who are undergoing benzodiazepine withdrawal after a period of consistent use.
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