Benzodiazepines (tranquilizers) and sleeping pills are not the innocent
aids many of us think they are. While they may help some of us through
a stressful patch in our lives – enabling us to cope with work,
family or personal issues, they have long-lasting consequences and
health risks, and are highly addictive.
Benzodiazepines have many different names and there are different dosages,
but chemically they are all in the same family and come with similar risks:
Ativan (lorazepam), Serax (oxazepam), Rivotril and Klonopin (clonazepam), Xanax
(alprazolam), Valium (diazepam), and many more, are all highly addictive substances
that have serious health consequences over long-term usage. Yet benzodiazepines
continue to be one of the most widely prescribed class of drugs in North America – and
women make up the bulk (more than 60%) of those who are prescribed these pharmaceuticals.
Benzodiazepines are depressants that act on the central nervous system and
may be appropriately prescribed for the purposes of short-term (a maximum of
2-4 weeks) relief of anxiety and sleeping problems, or as a muscle relaxant,
as an anti-seizure medication or an amnesiac (prior to surgical procedures).
However, they are often misprescribed for the treatment of depression, and
routinely prescribed for long-term usage (several months), often without the
patient knowing about the possible health risks involved.
If taken for more than several weeks, benzodiazepines may cause impaired cognitive
functioning, memory and balance problems; they have been linked to an increased
risk for falls that result in hip and femur fractures in seniors. If taken
for longer-terms (several months), they may induce agoraphobia (fear of public
places) and other phobias, and may cause anxiety, hallucinations, rage and/or
excitement. Other serious possible side effects include: panic, insomnia, muscle
pain and stiffness, digestive problems, heart and lung problems, depression
and suicide.
It is estimated that anywhere from 50-100% of those taking benzodiazepines
will experience difficulties withdrawing and recovering from them. The exact
time for addiction to take place and the level of addiction, however, varies
widely from person to person.
Studies show, however, that benzodiazepine prescriptions in North America
continue to rise, and that women continue to be the majority of those taking
them, and for longer periods of time. Studies also indicate that health professionals
are often unaware of the dangers of addiction associated with benzodiazepines,
and are not familiar with the various possible health consequences of long
term use.
For more information on the dangers of benzodiazepines, see the full study
by Janet C. Currie, Manufacturing Addiction from the Centres of Excellence
for Women’s Health: www.bccewh.bc.ca (604) 875-2633.
Online Resources:
Written by: Kathleen O'Grady
Director of Communications
E-mail: news@cwhn.ca
November 21, 2003
