Health effects
Short-term effects
Medically, benzodiazepines are prescribed for between two weeks and one month. Benzodiazepines should be used for only a short time in order to avoid developing a tolerance to the drug and experiencing withdrawal symptoms when use is stopped.
If recommended doses are administered, for the correct time, the following short-term effects include:
- relaxation
- calmness
- relief from tension and anxiety
- drowsiness and sleepiness, leading to an induced state of sleep.
When benzodiazepines are taken at higher doses, effects similar to those of alcohol can be produced including:
- drowsiness and sleepiness, leading to an induced state of sleep
- over-sedation
- cognitive and coordination impairment
- mood swings
- aggressive outbursts.
It is common for recreational users to take high doses of benzodiazepines as they are not always aware of recommended dosages, and are administering the drug to achieve a state of intoxication.
Long-term effects
Long-term use (exceeding one month) of benzodiazepines is not recommended and should be monitored by a doctor. Long-term use of benzodiazepines may cause:
- drowsiness and sleepiness, leading to an induced state of sleep
- lack of motivation
- unclear thoughts, memory loss
- behavioural and personality changes
- anxiety, irritability or aggression
- difficulty sleeping and disturbing dreams
- nausea, headaches
- skin rash
- menstrual and sexual problems
- greater appetite, weight gain
- lack of coordination, vulnerability to accidents
- depression
- slurred speech.
Long-term use of benzodiazepines commonly causes similar conditions to those which the drug has been prescribed to relieve.
Any adverse effects experienced while on benzodiazepines should be discussed with a health professional. Stopping long-term or heavy use of benzodiazepines – whether by a recreational user or someone using them for medical reasons – will require medical attention to help prevent withdrawal syndrome or a relapse to the underlying condition.
