Benzodiazepines, commonly known as “benzos”
Benzodiazepines, commonly known as “benzos,” are widely prescribed psychotropic medications worldwide. However, at our Treatment Center, we encounter numerous clients who have been on long-term benzodiazepine therapy for their anxiety, which poses several problems.
Firstly, individuals taking these drugs develop tolerance and dependence, necessitating higher dosages to achieve the same effects. In some cases, prolonged use of benzodiazepines may no longer alleviate anxiety or even exacerbate it. Additionally, benzodiazepines themselves can be a cause of the anxiety experienced.
Secondly, when combined with other medications, benzodiazepines can lead to excessive sedation or respiratory depression, increasing the risk of overdose. These drugs can also induce disinhibition, resulting in behavioral issues and risky behaviors. Evidence suggests that chronic benzodiazepine use is associated with depression, cognitive impairment, and a higher likelihood of developing dementia, particularly among the elderly who are more sensitive to these medications.
Discontinuing benzodiazepines requires careful management, as patients can experience severe withdrawal symptoms, including potentially life-threatening seizures.
In 1955, Leo Sternbach, a chemist at Hoffmann-La Roche, identified the first benzodiazepine, chlordiazepoxide (Librium). During the 1960s, benzodiazepines like Librium and Valium were commonly used to treat various conditions, from insomnia to seizures. By the 1970s, benzodiazepines had become one of the most frequently prescribed medications worldwide.
Presently, benzodiazepines such as Ativan, Valium, Xanax, and Klonopin are often prescribed to treat anxiety and related conditions. Many physicians prescribe some form of benzodiazepine when patients complain of anxiety or sleep problems.
Initially, these medications may seem like miracle drugs, relieving anxiety and improving sleep quickly. However, these effects typically diminish after a few weeks or months for most individuals. Recent studies evaluating the effectiveness of Xanax for anxiety have indicated that after only eight weeks, those on a Xanax prescription experienced worse anxiety than those who received a placebo.
Despite these findings, doctors continue to prescribe benzodiazepines for anxiety disorders at an alarming rate. In 2008, Olfson and colleagues reported that over 5% of adults in the U.S. had filled at least one benzodiazepine prescription that year. Overprescription has resulted in sensationalistic headlines in the press, such as “Xanax Nation.”
Anxiety disorders often present alongside benzodiazepine use, appearing as generalized anxiety, anxiety related to specific issues (phobias), discrete panic attacks, or severe anxiety disorders that may even hinder a person’s ability to leave their home. Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD) and Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) are also considered anxiety disorders. Psychological trauma, whether experienced in childhood or later, often manifests as anxiety issues that frequently accompany benzodiazepine use.
While everyone experiences moderate levels of anxiety, clinical diagnosis of an anxiety disorder can be debilitating and have long-lasting effects. It’s crucial to understand that medication, such as benzodiazepines, does not solve or cure anxiety-related problems. Instead, there are alternative therapies available, including specific talk and experiential therapies that target anxiety and help individuals regain control of their lives and improve their well-being.
At our Treatment Center, we have highly experienced physician specializing in the treatment of anxiety disorders. When a client is seen, they undergo assessment and are closely monitored by our doc. In most cases where clients are taking benzodiazepines, we recommend discontinuation of the medication. We thoroughly explain the reasons behind tapering off
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