 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
Got the Benzo Blues?
Wednesday, 8 November 2006.
Originally from express article 8 November 2006
By Di from Auckland Community Alcohol and Drug Services (CADS)
 |
| Di from CADS talks about the Benzo (benzodiazepine) Blues. |
Benzodiazepines (Benzos) are minor tranquillisers. There are many different drugs that are in the family of benzos – an easy way to think of them are the ‘pams’ e.g. Lorazepam (Ativan), Nitrazepam (Mogadon), Diazepam (Valium), Temazepam. There are the ‘ams’ too – e.g. Triazolam (Halcion), Alprazolam (Xanax). On the street they are known as downers, footballs, rivies, mogies, coies, chemise and blues.
Benzos are prescribed either to relieve anxiety or to promote sleep. They can be very helpful in times of extreme stress if taken in low doses for a short term (max. three weeks).
Unfortunately they are very addictive, and the kicker is, if they are taken for a long period of time they can cause the very symptoms they were originally prescribed for (i.e. anxiety and insomnia). Other side effects include: lethargy, dry mouth, light-headedness, headache, irritability, nausea, upset stomach, constipation and diarrhoea.
Benzos also have particularly nasty withdrawal symptoms. If someone has been using benzos for a long period of time (over three weeks) it is strongly recommended that they do not just stop without getting advice from an addictions counsellor or doctor. Auckland CADS has doctors, counsellors and our pharmacist is also available for free advice.
The reason why a person has such full on withdrawal symptoms is because benzos make people less anxious, they sleep better, movements and thinking are slower, emotions are pushed down – essentially adrenaline levels are low. If a person comes off benzos too quickly, then the adrenaline levels increase dramatically! “Clinical tests show that after the drugs have been stopped, adrenaline levels can rise up to six times higher than the pre-withdrawal levels. Is it surprising that people feel like they are gong mad?” from Beating the Benzo Blues – Auckland TRANX services.
As benzos and alcohol are both central nervous system depressants, it is very important NOT to mix them as they potentiate (increase) the effect and toxicity of each other. It's really important not to drink alcohol when withdrawing from benzos.
So….if you have been on benzos for awhile, it may be time to think about reducing them, with a goal of stopping them all together. It can be a very hard road – but there are services that provide free confidential support (see below). It might seem scary but it can feel great to be clear headed and fighting fit!
If you have concerns about your own or someone else's benzodiazepine or other drug use, or if you'd like more information, contact CADS on 845 1818 or www.cads.org.nz or if you live outside Auckland contact Alcohol and Drug Helpline 0800 787 797.
About express
express is NZ's newspaper of gay expression. It contains
information on NZ news, Community news & events, World news, Editorial &
reader feedback, Health, Travel, Food, Arts/Books, Living, Entertainment
& scene, GABA newsletter, and Personals.
For more information, visit their website:www.gayexpress.co.nz
> More items from Di's Drug Column
