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Benzodiazepines are prescription medications often used to temporarily relieve symptoms such as anxiety, panic attacks, or difficulty sleeping. But long-term use of these drugs can significantly increase the risk of addiction or dangerous side effects.
Even for those who have a legitimate prescription from their doctor—and use benzodiazepines responsibly—there’s still a good chance of experiencing side effects and withdrawal symptoms when the drug is no longer being taken.
People struggling with substance use disorder need to understand this kind of drug better. Topics covered here include the side effects and withdrawal symptoms of benzodiazepines, a list of major brand-name benzodiazepines, and treatment options for those who develop a substance use disorder.
What are Depressants?
Depressants are drugs that depress the activity of the central nervous system. 1 They reduce neurotransmission levels (communication among brain cells) in various brain areas. They also decrease the rate at which messages travel between the brain and the rest of the body. Tranquilizers, sedatives, and hypnotics all belong to the category of CNS depressants.
Depressants reduce stimulation and arousal levels, making a person feel relaxed or drowsy. They can hinder concentration and coordination—and slow down a person’s capacity to respond to unexpected situations. In small doses, depressants can help a person feel more relaxed and less inhibited. However, larger doses can cause drowsiness, vomiting, unconsciousness, or death.
Alcohol, cannabis, GHB, and heroin are well-known examples of depressants. Benzodiazepines are also considered depressants. Depressant drugs can be swallowed, drunk, injected, snorted, or inhaled.
How Depressants Affect the Body
Certain depressants work quickly, with effects that only last for a short time. Other depressants can take longer to take effect and slowly wear off.
Low doses of depressants may produce effects such as:
- Enhanced mood
- Reduced inhibitions
- Reduced stress/anxiety
- Impaired judgment
- Reduced respiration rate
- Slowed-down reaction time
- Increased risk of accident or injury
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Higher doses of depressants can produce effects such as:
- Vomiting
- Impaired judgment and coordination
- Shallow or irregular breathing
- Blackouts and memory loss
- Unconsciousness
- Coma
- Death
Additional Depressant Resources
What is a Depressant?:
Read this article to learn more about what a depressant is and how you or a loved one can find help.
What Do Depressants Do?:
Click here to learn about what depressants do and how they may be used clinically.
What Drugs are Depressants?:
Here you’ll find a list of resources to help you determine what medical drugs are considered depressants.
Consequences of Mixing Stimulants and Depressants:
Learn what can happen if you or a loved one mixes stimulants and depressants and the long-lasting effects this can leave.
Are Benzodiazepines Depressants?
Benzodiazepines are synthetically produced depressant drugs—aka sedatives or tranquilizers. This means they slow down the messages traveling between the brain and the rest of the body. It doesn’t necessarily mean that they make a person feel psychologically depressed.
Doctors commonly prescribe benzodiazepine medicines to treat anxiety disorders such as panic disorder, generalized anxiety disorder, post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), and other mental health disorders. They can also be used to treat insomnia and administered intravenously as a sedative before surgeries.
How Do Benzodiazepines Work?
Gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA) is a chemical that reduces electrical activity in the brain. The way benzodiazepines work is by boosting these inhibitory effects of GABA in the brain, which depresses electrochemical activity. 2
The brain’s neural network uses GABA to send messages. Benzos increase the production of GABA, which quiets overactive nerves and calms the system. These drugs effectively send messages to the body to “relax and chill out.”
As prescribed medications, benzodiazepines can be effective for short-term treatment of symptoms such as anxiety or sleep disturbance, as they can create a sense of calm. Long-term use should happen only under the closer supervision of a medical professional. The use of benzodiazepines is best avoided for people over the age of 55.
Benzodiazepine Safety & Side-Effects
How safe are benzodiazepine medications? This type of drug is most often prescribed for short-term use.
Long-term use comes with potential risks such as:
An increased risk of drowsiness, falls, motor vehicle accidents, and memory problems—particularly for older people.
Increased tolerance for the medication—requiring higher doses to achieve the same effects.
Development of a substance use disorder. Benzodiazepines can be highly addictive. A majority of people that develop a physical or psychological addiction were initially prescribed the medication by their doctor.
Some benzos can last for a long time and build up in the body. Which increases the risk of side effects.
Potential side effects of benzodiazepine medications include:
- Trouble breathing
- Slowed heart rate
- Drowsiness
- Confusion
- Depression
- Anxiety
- Low blood pressure
- Fainting
- Memory problems
- Delirium (especially in older adults)
Even correctly managed, long-term use of benzodiazepines has been shown to have serious mental and physical side effects and consequences. 3
It’s also essential that benzodiazepines be used with caution when taking other medications that can also cause drowsiness. This is especially true when taking opioid medications. The combination of the two can lead to overdose and hospitalization and potentially be fatal.
Benzodiazepines as Recreational Drugs
Unfortunately, benzodiazepines are used not only as prescription medications. They also have become popular as recreational drugs. Many people with legitimate prescriptions abuse them by taking more than they should. Others purchase benzodiazepines illegally on the streets.
Informal slang names for benzodiazepines include:
- Benzos
- Sleepers
- Tranks
- Zannies
- Downers
- Blues
- Footballs
- Chill-pills
- Serras (from Serepax®)
- Moggies (from Mogadon®)
- Normies (from Normison®)
Most people who abuse benzodiazepines take many pills to get their chill-out effect. Others crush them up and snort them up their nose. Some people dilute the medicine and inject it with a needle.
One of the main risks of taking any benzodiazepine medication is that regular use comes with a high risk of addiction. Even people who would not typically be prone to addiction are likely to develop an addiction to benzos.
What makes benzodiazepines so addictive? These drugs create a sense of calm, along with other euphoric sensations. Because of these pleasant sensations, which comprise a gentle “high,” they can be challenging to withdraw from.
When people relax and feel euphoric on benzos, they can fall in love with the feeling. This can lead to a benzo addiction, which can wreak havoc on even the strongest person. Family problems, financial difficulties, issues at work, and legal issues are some of the negative consequences of benzodiazepine addiction.
Additional Benzodiazepine Resources
What are Benzodiazepines?:
Read this article to learn the intricacies of benzodiazepines and how addictive they can be as a substance.
Are Benzodiazepines Addictive?:
This articles covers how addictive benzos really are and how a person might find themselves unable to stop.
Dangers of Overdosing on Benzos?:
Read this article to learn about the dangers of a benzo overdose and if there is an antidote to help a person cope.
Benzodiazepine Abuse:
Learn about the different forms of benzodiazepine abuse and how common it is in the United States.
Benzodiazepine Withdrawal Symptoms:
Read this to learn about the different withdrawal symptoms a person could have and why they can be deadly.
List of Benzodiazepines
There are more than 200 different types of benzodiazepines available globally. Though most are used only for surgical procedures or aren’t available in the United States. It’s essential to become familiar with the various kinds of benzodiazepine medications because not all of them have the same uses, side effects, or withdrawal symptoms.
Types of Benzodiazepines
Benzodiazepine medications are classified into three general types: long-acting, intermediate-acting, and short-acting. Short-acting benzodiazepines have more potent withdrawal effects and are more addictive than long-acting ones. 4
Benzodiazepine drugs are known either by their chemical (generic) name or their brand name. There may be several different brand names for a single chemical composition. In such cases, the drugs are the same. They’re just given other names because different companies produce them.
The Most Common Brands of Benzodiazepines
The most commonly prescribed and used benzodiazepines are: 5
- Lorazepam (Ativan)
- Clonazepam (Klonopin)
- Alprazolam (Xanax)
Short-Term Benzodiazepines
Short-term benzodiazepine medications can be used for various purposes, including helping to calm anxiety and restlessness and relieve insomnia. They are also used to cause amnesia when combined with anesthesia before surgery.
These medicines are not intended for long-term use. However, they can still be very addictive.
- Etizolam (ProSom®)
- Flurazepam (Dalmane®)
- Temazepam (Restoril®)
- Triazolam (Halcion®)
- Midazolam (Versed®)
Long-Term Benzodiazepines
Long-term benzodiazepines last longer in a person’s body. They have longer effective periods and are safer (though not risk-free) to use long-term. These medications are often used for people who require ongoing anxiety management or suffer serious insomnia. They may also be used as anticonvulsants.
However, even when a benzodiazepine is widely used and considered safe for long-term use with medical supervision, it doesn’t mean it’s safe for recreational use without medical care. Only a doctor can effectively assess and manage the risks of these medicines.
Long-term benzodiazepines include:
- Clonazepam (Klonopin®)
- Alprazolam (Xanax®)
- Chlordiazepoxide (Librium®)
- Clorazepate (Tranxene®)
- Diazepam (Valium®)
- Halazepam (Paxipam®)
- Lorazepam (Ativan®)
- Oxazepam (Serax®)
- Prazepam (Centrax®)
- Quazepam (Doral®)
Withdrawal Symptoms when Detoxing from Benzodiazepines
Some of the most common symptoms of benzodiazepine withdrawal include the following:
- Anxiety
- Panic
- Agitation
- Restlessness
- Fatigue
- Tremors
- Dizziness
- Headaches
- Sleep problems (too much or too little)
- Shortness of breath
- Sweating
- Flushing
- Muscle cramps
- Tremors
- Seizures
- Hallucinations
- Gastrointestinal problems
- Feelings of unreality
- Muscle pain
When detoxing from benzodiazepines, there’s often a psychological and chemical dependence that needs to be overcome. Once the benzos no longer numb the person’s mind and body, the previously veiled emotions and sensations are then encountered. This change in emotions can be psychologically challenging.
Ativan Resources
Generic name: lorazepam
Brand name: Ativan®
Other brand name: Lorazepam Intensol®
Ativan® is a brand name for the benzodiazepine drug lorazepam. Lorazepam Intensol® is another brand name for the same medication. 6
Lorazepam is a benzodiazepine medication approved for treating anxiety, insomnia, or sleep difficulty due to fear or stress, seizures (status epilepticus), and as a medication given right before anesthesia. It can also be used to treat alcohol withdrawal.
Important Information About Lorazepam
Important considerations while taking lorazepam include:
A person should not drive a car or operate any other motor vehicle until they determine how the medication affects them, e.g., feeling dizzy or tired.
When starting lorazepam, a person's anxiety or insomnia may improve rapidly—or for several days.
Benzodiazepines such as lorazepam are typically used for only short periods only. They can easily produce emotional or physical dependence (addiction) even when used as recommended. People should stay conversing with their healthcare provider to determine how long they should take the medicine.
A person should not reduce dosage or stop taking lorazepam without talking to their health care provider first. Stopping lorazepam abruptly may result in withdrawal symptoms such as anxiety, irritability, nausea, trouble sleeping, tremors, dizziness, blood pressure changes, rapid heart rate, and seizures.
Combining lorazepam with drugs like opioid medications can lead to serious side effects, including slowed and difficulty breathing and death. Opioid drugs (used to treat pain) include codeine, oxycodone, morphine, and illegal drugs like heroin. If a person takes lorazepam with an opioid, they should get medical assistance immediately if they experience symptoms such as dizziness, sleepiness, slow or troubled breathing, or passing out.
A person should avoid alcohol while taking lorazepam.
Additional Ativan Resources
What is Ativan?:
Learn about the type of substance that Ativan is and where one might come across it clinically and recreationally.
How Long Does Ativan Stay in Your System?:
Learn about how long addiction to Ativan can cause the substance to stay in your system.
What is Ativan Used For?:
Read this article to learn about the practical uses for Ativan and how it can be misused
Side Effects of Ativan:
Learn about how Ativan can make you feel and its long-lasting side effects.
Klonopin
Generic name: clonazepam
Brand name: Klonopin®
Klonpin® is a brand name for the benzodiazepine drug clonazepam. This medication is approved for the treatment of panic disorder as well as certain types of seizure disorders. Benzodiazepines are also commonly used to treat difficulty sleeping and alcohol withdrawal. 7
Important Information About Clonazepam
Important considerations while taking clonazepam include:
A person should not drive a car or operate any other motor vehicle until they determine how the medication affects them, e.g., feeling dizzy or tired.
When starting clonazepam, anxiety or insomnia may improve rapidly—or for several days.
Benzodiazepines such as clonazepam are typically used for only short periods only. They can easily produce emotional and physical dependence (addiction) even when used as recommended. People should stay in conversation with their healthcare provider to determine how long they should take the medicine.
A person should not reduce dosage or stop taking clonazepam without talking to their health care provider first. Stopping clonazepam abruptly may result in withdrawal symptoms such as anxiety, irritability, nausea, trouble sleeping, tremors, dizziness, blood pressure changes, rapid heart rate, and seizures.
Combining clonazepam with drugs like opioid medications can lead to serious side effects, including slowed and difficulty breathing and death. Opioid drugs (used to treat pain) include codeine, oxycodone, morphine, and illegal drugs like heroin. If a person takes clonazepam with an opioid medication, they should get medical assistance immediately if they experience symptoms such as dizziness, sleepiness, slow or troubled breathing, or passing out.
A person should avoid alcohol while taking clonazepam.
Additional Klonopin Resources
Klonopin Uses and Risks:
Read this to learn about the clinical uses of Klonopin and what the associated risks might be in regard to addiction.
Signs and Symptoms of Klonopin Addiction:
Learn about the signs that you are a loved one might be addicted to Klonopin.
Xanax
Generic name: alprazolam
Brand name: Xanax®
Other brand names: Niravam® and Alprazolam Intensol®
Alprazolam (Xanax®) is a benzodiazepine medication approved for treating generalized anxiety disorder (GAD) and panic disorder. Benzodiazepines are also commonly used to treat difficulty sleeping and alcohol withdrawal. 8
Important Information About Alprazolam
Important considerations while taking alprazolam include:
A person should not drive a car or operate any other motor vehicle until they determine how the medication affects them, e.g., feeling dizzy or tired.
When starting alprazolam, anxiety or insomnia may improve rapidly—or over several days.
Benzodiazepines such as alprazolam are typically used for only short periods only. They can easily produce emotional and physical dependence (addiction) even when used as recommended. People should stay in conversation with their healthcare provider to determine how long they should take the medicine.
A person should not reduce dosage or stop taking alprazolam without talking to their health care provider first. Stopping alprazolam abruptly may result in withdrawal symptoms. These symptoms include anxiety, irritability, nausea, trouble sleeping, tremors, dizziness, blood pressure changes, rapid heart rate, and seizures.
Combining alprazolam with drugs like opioid medications can lead to serious side effects, including slowed and difficulty breathing and death. Opioid drugs (used to treat pain) include codeine, oxycodone, morphine, and illegal drugs like heroin. Suppose a person is taking alprazolam with opioid medication. In that case, they should get medical assistance immediately. Especially if they experience symptoms such as dizziness, sleepiness, slow or troubled breathing, or passing out.
A person should avoid alcohol while taking alprazolam.
Additional Xanax Resources
What You Need to Know About Xanax:
Read this comprehensive article for all information regarding Xanax.
Is Xanax an Opioid?:
Learn whether or not Xanax is considered an opioid.
How Long Does Xanax Stay in Your System?:
Learn about how long it can take to detox from Xanax.
Find Help for Substance Abuse with AToN
When a person takes a benzodiazepine medication for a long time, they can easily develop a chemical and psychological dependence—a substance use disorder—making it difficult to stop taking the drug.
Benzodiazepine withdrawal tends not only to be an incredibly unpleasant experience: But it is also extremely dangerous and potentially life-threatening. Therefore, a person should never attempt to detox from benzos alone. It’s best to receive professional medical assistance.
An addiction treatment center such as AToN Center in southern California can help manage benzodiazepine detox withdrawal symptoms. Our team of treatment professionals will skillfully support the rehab process.
For people recovering from substance use disorder, AToN Center offers:
- Medically assisted detox
- Individual and group therapy sessions
- 12-step and 12-step-alternatives for peer support
- Luxury amenities, including holistic healing modalities
Our team of compassionate counselors and skilled medical professionals is committed to developing a treatment protocol that addresses each client’s unique circumstances on their path to full recovery.
To enjoy continued sobriety, people recovering from addiction need to learn how to live a life not centered around drugs. This happens here at AToN – we teach clients how to sustain a healthy, sober lifestyle.
To further discuss treatment options, please feel free to contact us.
References & Resources
- What Are Depressants? Alcohol and Drug Foundation.
https://adf.org.au/drug-facts/depressants/ - Benzodiazepine-Associated Risks. National Alliance on Mental Illness.
https://www.nami.org/About-Mental-Illness/Treatment/Mental-Health-Medications/Benzodiazepine-Associated-Risks - Edinoff AN, Nix CA, Hollier J, Sagrera CE, Delacroix BM, Abubakar T, Cornett EM, Kaye AM, Kaye AD. Benzodiazepines: Uses, Dangers, and Clinical Considerations. Neurol Int. 2021 Nov 10;13(4):594-607.
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC8629021/ - What Are Benzodiazepines? Alcohol and Drug Foundation.
https://adf.org.au/drug-facts/benzodiazepines/ - Kroll DS, Nieva HR, Barsky AJ, Linder JA. Benzodiazepines are Prescribed More Frequently to Patients Already at Risk for Benzodiazepine-Related Adverse Events in Primary Care. J Gen Intern Med. 2016 Sep;31(9):1027-34.
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4978684/ - Lorazepam (Ativan). National Alliance on Mental Illness.
https://www.nami.org/About-Mental-Illness/Treatments/Mental-Health-Medications/Types-of-Medication/Lorazepam-(Ativan) - Clonazepam (Klonopin). National Alliance on Mental Illness.
https://www.nami.org/About-Mental-Illness/Treatments/Mental-Health-Medications/Types-of-Medication/Clonazepam-(Klonopin) - Alprazolam (Xanax). National Alliance on Mental Illness.
https://www.nami.org/About-Mental-Illness/Treatments/Mental-Health-Medications/Types-of-Medication/Alprazolam-(Xanax)
Clinically reviewed for accuracy by: Chris McDuffie, MSW, CADCII