Some of the variations in results may be attributed to cognitive criteria in which each study followed. In a prospective longitudinal study on the effects of psychotropic drugs in the cognition of the elderly, Allard et al. [19] found no significant long-term effect of BZD use on cognition. This is supported in a similar study of elderly adults on a BZD for six months with drug discontinuation one month later. The study found no significant cognitive impairment in adults with long-term use of BZD [20]. A study of over 2000 older adults assessed the effects of chronic BZD use on cognition [21]. Chronic use of BZD leads to a small but significant change in fluid intelligence, while long-term use of BZD correlates with worse cognitive decline when compared to the effects of using a high dosage [21].
- The following information describes dosages that are commonly used or recommended for diazepam oral tablet.
- Some drugs may intensify the effects of benzodiazepines, while others may make them less effective.
- There are many options available within the class, and most benzodiazepines are now available generically, making them affordable for most people.
- Alcohol or marijuana (cannabis) can make you more dizzy or drowsy.
- Peak concentrations in plasma occur approximately 2 hours following administration.
International Patients
They can act as a muscle relaxant and anticonvulsant and also have sedative (relaxing), hypnotic (sleep-inducing), and anxiolytic (anti-anxiety) effects. While they’re effective in treating these conditions for a short time, benzodiazepines may cause frustrating side effects like drowsiness, loss of libido, and lack of coordination. Tell your doctor if you are pregnant or planning to become pregnant. Using this medicine during the later part of a pregnancy may cause problems in your newborn baby (eg, sedation or withdrawal symptoms).
Precautions When Taking Benzodiazepines
- Short-term or emergency conditions usually merit the use of stronger, short-acting benzodiazepines.
- (Add-on therapy means that you’re taking diazepam with other drugs for your condition.) This drug may cause more frequent and more severe seizures.
- Stopping slowly with professional help can prevent unwanted effects.
The subjects in this study had mild to moderate Alzheimer’s dementia and showed no change in AD-Cog scores after treatment with BZD [74]. Interestingly, in this same study, SSRIs and atypical antipsychotics showed the same results; however, trazodone actually improved the NPI [75]. Abrahamsson et al. investigated the relationship between hypnotic drug overdose versus non-overdose deaths in patients on opioid maintenance therapy.
Long-term worsening of psychiatric symptoms
The inactive ingredients present are lactose monohydrate, magnesium stearate, microcrystalline cellulose, and polacrilin potassium. This document does not contain all possible side effects and others may occur. Check with your physician for additional information about side effects. Get medical help right away, if you have any of the symptoms listed above.
What other drugs will affect Ativan?
- Always consult your healthcare provider to ensure the information displayed on this page applies to your personal circumstances.
- They may prescribe them only for use as needed, not daily, and they may prescribe lower doses or pick benzodiazepines that aren’t as strong.
- If your symptoms do not improve after a week, speak to a doctor as you may need a lower dose.
- Always consult your healthcare provider about how drug interactions should be managed before making any changes to your current medications.
- You may be given the drug flumazenil to reverse a benzodiazepine overdose.
Their relative safety compared to fellow depressants or barbiturates have increased the rate at which they are prescribed [25]. The dependence on BZDs generally leads to withdrawal symptoms, which necessitates careful tapering of the medication when prescribed [26]. Benzodiazepines are a category of medications that exert their effects on benzodiazepine receptors in the central nervous system. Certain benzodiazepines, such as alprazolam, clobazam, chlordiazepoxide, and others, are approved by the United States Food and Drug Administration (FDA).
Flumazenil use as a benzodiazepine antidote
Psychiatric diagnoses have also been linked to one’s ability to discontinue treatment with BZD. One study showed a high co-occurrence with BZD dependence and all psychiatric disorders in general [64,65]. Specifically, those with cluster B personality disorders have the worst prognosis in regard to discontinuing BZD. In one study, not a single subject diagnosed with a cluster B personality disorder successfully discontinued BZD use [63].
What are the side effects of benzodiazepines?
Some patients on Ativan (lorazepam) have developed leukopenia, and some have had elevations of LDH. As with other benzodiazepines, periodic blood counts and liver function tests are recommended for patients on long-term therapy. The usual precautions for treating patients with impaired renal or hepatic function should be observed. As with all benzodiazepines, the use of lorazepam may worsen hepatic encephalopathy; therefore, lorazepam should be used with caution in patients with severe hepatic insufficiency and/or encephalopathy.
Benzodiazepine drug molecules mimic the naturally occurring neurotransmitter GABA and bind to this receptor. This allows chloride ions to enter the neuron cells, which results in CNS depression. Outward signs of this include calmness, sleepiness, or drowsiness. Older adults may be more sensitive to the side effects of this drug, especially drowsiness and loss of coordination. severe benzodiazepine withdrawal syndrome For some older adults, instead of having a calming effect, diazepam may have the opposite effect, causing mental/mood changes (such as agitation, hallucinations, restlessness). Before taking diazepam, tell your doctor or pharmacist if you are allergic to it; or to other benzodiazepines (such as oxazepam, temazepam); or if you have any other allergies.
Benzodiazepine Use Dangers
However, if it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and go back to your regular dosing schedule. Do not take more of it, do not take it more often, and do not take it for a longer time than your doctor ordered. If too much of this medicine is taken for a long time, it may become habit-forming (causing mental or physical dependence). Unusual sleep behaviors and anterograde amnesia may occur with traditional benzodiazepines. Anterograde amnesia is the loss of the ability to create new memories, leading to a partial or complete inability to recall the recent past.