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Benzodiazepines (commonly known as benzos) are widely used to treat anxiety, insomnia, agitation, seizures, muscle spasms and alcohol withdrawal and are highly addictive. Benzodiazepines are referred to as ‘Minor Tranquillisers’, though the effects are by no means minor and are highly addictive if used for prolonged periods of time. There approximately 30 different types of benzodiazepine. Some of the more common are; Diazepam, Oxazepam, Nitrazepam, Temazepam, Lorazepam, Flunitrazepam, Bromazepam, Clonazepam. There is little evidence of the effectiveness of Benzodiazipines for anxiety after 4 to 6 months.
Some of the collective trade names are; Valium, Ducene, Antenex, Serepax, Murelax, Alepam, Mogadon, Alodorm, Euhypnos, Normison, Temaze, Ativan, Rohypnol, Hypnodorm, Lexotan, Rivotril
Benzos, Bennies, Downers, Nerve Pills, Tranks,Vallies, Moggies, Rugby Balls, Roofies, Eggs, Blue, Zani, Zanibars, Peaches, Footballs
Benzodiazipine Forms
Injections, Tablets and Jellies
Benzodiazipine Doses
As there are so many different types of benzodiazipines it is difficult to quantify all of the doses but in general the doses for the more common benzodiazipines are as follows:
Diazepam
Between 6mg to 40mg per for adults suffering with anxiety. For alcohol withdrawal upto 120mg per day.
Oxazepam
The starting dose is between 5mg to 14mg daily. A private practise doctor would not normally exceed a dose of 80mg.
Nitrazepam
The usual dose for adults is 2.5mg to 10mg
Temazepam
The typical dose starting for adults is 7.5–15 mg taken just before bedtime. The maximum recommended dose is 30 mg.
Lorazepam
The maximum daily total dosage for anxiety is 10 mg given in two to three divided doses.
Flunitrazepam
Independent studies show that a 1mg dose of Flunitrazipam is optimal for people with insomnia. Flunitrazepam is manufactured in 1mg and 2mg tablets, though the 2mg tablets were taken off the market in Germany due to drug abuse.
Bromazepam
Adult dosages range between 6-30 mg daily
Clonazepam
The recommended starting clonazepam dose for treating panic disorder is clonazepam 0.25 mg twice daily. To control seizures up to a maximum of 20 mg total per day (split up into three smaller doses per day).
The first Benzodiazepine was Chloridiazipoxide, it was synthesised by Leo Sternbach whilst working on a tranquiliser project, however Sternbach did not notice the Chloridiazipoxide crystals and the experiments were discarded as a disappointment. Two years later in 1957 Sternbach’s colleague Earl Reeder made the discovery. Following extensive animal testing Chloridiazipoxide compound showed to have strong sedative, anti convulsant and muscle relaxant effects. Later in 1960 Chloridaizipoxide was released under the trade name Librium. It is alleged that it’s manufacturers new of its addictive potential and did not share this information with prescribing doctors. This created the largest ever class action suit involving hundreds of patients and numerous doctors.
Benzodiazipine side effects include drowsiness, dizziness, decreased alertness and concentration. Lack of coordination, falls and injuries, impairment of driving skills, increased risk of road traffic accidents, decreased libido, erection problems, depression, disinhibition may emerge, hypotension, suppressed breathing, nausea, changes in appetite, blurred vision, confusion, euphoria, depersonalization, nightmares, in rare instances liver toxicity.
In ‘A systematic review of research examining Benzodiazipine overdose’ Benzodiazipine overdose is responsible for 3.8% of deaths by single drug poisoning. However this percentage rapidly increases when Benzodiazipines are mixed with alcohol, opiates and trycyclic antidepressants. Symptoms of Benzodiazipine detox can include; drowsiness, slurred speech, involuntary eye movement, hypotension, lack of coordination in hands and legs, coma, respiratory depression and cardiorespiratory arrest.
Benzodiazipine withdrawal symptoms can include insomnia, gastric problems, tremors, agitation, fearfulness, muscle spasms, irritability, sweating, depersonalization, derealisation, hypersensitivity to stimuli, depression, suicidal behaviour, psychosis, seizures and delirium tremens. It can be very dangerous to withdraw rapidly from Benzodiazipines. A tapering, gradual detox is recommended.
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