Benzodiazepines are a class of drugs known as sedative-hypnotics that are primarily used to treat anxiety and insomnia, but are also used for their anticonvulsant and muscle relaxant properties. There are more than 15 different medications in this class; the most widely prescribed, by brand name, are Valium, Xanax, Ativan, Klonopin and Rohypnol (Roofies).
Drugs in this Class
Librium was the first Benzodiazepine–introduced in 1960—and the popularity of this medication rose quickly, replacing the use of barbiturates because it caused significantly less respiratory depression and was thus safer to use.
The various Benzodiazepines differ in how quickly they work, how long they last and the conditions they are used to treat. Valium and Tranxene have the most rapid onset on action, while Serax has the slowest onset. Xanax and Valium are most commonly used to treat anxiety disorders; Valium is used for seizure disorders and Librium is most frequently used to treat alcohol withdrawal.
Uses/Effects
In addition to the uses noted above, Benzodiazepines are also prescribed to calm patients before surgery, as a muscle relaxant and to treat insomnia. Side effects associated with these medications include sedation, dizziness, weakness and unsteadiness, as well as memory impairment and depression.
The effects of Benzodiazepines used recreationally are similar to the effects of alcohol intoxication. One user, writing on the Erowid Experience Vault, reported that after taking two 0.5 mg pills, “My limbs are a bit heavy and my thoughts are dreamy and sort of weird” and about an hour later, “I feel calm, relaxed, and even a bit euphoric. When I try to walk my limbs feel detached from my body and I may be stumbling.”
The drug Rohypnol, a powerful sedative known by the street name “Roofies” slows down the central nervous system and has become infamous as the “date rape drug”. Rohypnol is often secretly slipped into a drink at bars and nightclubs, rendering the drinker unconscious and ultimately a victim of rape.
Incidence & prevalence
According to the National Institutes for Health (NIH), Benzodiazepines as a class account for 29% of non-medical use of pharmaceuticals, the highest percentage of any drug class.
A 2011 study conducted by the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) found that Benzodiazepines accounting for 35% of all drug-related visits to hospital emergency rooms; Xanex was the most prevalent. Additionally, 95% of those in the study reported abuse of at least one other drug in addition to the Benzodiazepines, most frequently alcohol or opiates (narcotics).
Trends in the use of benzodiazepines (in the US)
A 2006 report by SAMHSA indicated that the number of emergency room visits due to Benzodiazepines increased by 36% between 2004 and 2006.
Treatment admissions for people abusing both Benzodiazepines and narcotics increased 569.7% between 2000 and 2010, according to a government report. Substance abuse treatment for all classes of drugs increased just 4% over the same period.
Mortality
On the basis of existing research there is limited data examining the link between Benzodiazepines use and mortality. However, according to a 2013 report by the Centers for Disease Control (CDC), Benzodiazepines accounted for 29% of drug overdose deaths in 2010. Opioids were responsible for 75% of overdose deaths, and in 77% of these cases Benzodiazepines were also present.
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