Benzodiazepines: what are the effects?
The unwanted negative effects of benzodiazepines vary according to dose.
Low to moderate doses
The immediate effects of low to moderate doses include mild impairment of thought processes, memory and coordination; drowsiness, tiredness and lethargy; dizziness; vertigo; and blurred or double vision. The person may experience a dry mouth, slurred speech and stuttering, tremors, nausea and vomiting, loss of appetite, constipation or diarrhoea. Feelings of euphoria or isolation and emotional depression may also occur.
Higher doses
Higher doses can result in drowsiness, over-sedation and sleep. They may produce an effect similar to alcohol intoxication. Other effects can include confusion, slurred speech, poor coordination, impaired judgement, difficulty thinking clearly, loss of memory, blurred or double vision and/or dizziness. Mood swings and aggressive outbursts may also occur. The symptoms intensify as the dose increases. Feelings of jitteriness and excitability often become evident as the effects of large doses wear off.
Overdose
Very high doses of benzodiazepines can cause respiratory depression, unconsciousness or coma. Death rarely occurs from overdose of benzodiazepines alone, but deaths can occur if large doses are combined with alcohol or other drugs. Deaths can also occur from inhalation of mucus or vomit when a person is unconscious.
Bingeing
A ‘binge’ is when a large amount of benzodiazepines is taken in one session, rather than as prescibed by a doctor. There is a strong possibility of overdosing and that a high level of benzodiazepine will remain in the bloodstream the day after a binge. This makes it dangerous to drive or operate machinery. If the binges are fairly close together, there is a risk of developing dependency on the drug.
Long-term effects
The use of benzodiazepines over a long period of time (more than 2 to 3 weeks) should be carefully monitored by your doctor. Some of the health effects of using high doses of benzodiazepines in the long term include:
- muscle weakness;
- skin rashes;
- weight gain;
- increased risk of accidents;
- increased risk of falling;
- sexual problems;
- menstrual irregularities;
- memory loss;
- confusion and diffculty thinking clearly;
- lethargy and lack of motivation;
- fatigue;
- drowsiness;
- difficulty sleeping and disturbing dreams;
- nausea;
- personality change and changes in emotional responses;
- anxiety;
- irritability, paranoia and aggression; and
- depression.
For more information, please click on the Australian Drug Foundation's DrugInfo Clearinghouse web site link below.
Last Reviewed: 20 September 2006
