Benzodiazepines

www.druginfo.adf.org.au
  • Benzodiazepines are legal depressant drugs
  • Also known as ‘minor tranquillisers’, benzodiazepines are commonly prescribed by doctors to relieve stress and anxiety and to help people sleep.
  • Some people use benzodiazepines illegally to become intoxicated or to come down from the effects of stimulants such as amphetamines or cocaine.
  • Benzodiazepines are known by their chemical names and/or their brand /trade names. In each case they are exactly the same drug , usually made by different companies.
  • Benzodiazepines usually come in the form of tablets and capsules, in a range of colours and designs. They are generally stamped with their name and milligram quantity.
Onset & Duration

Onset

  • 1-10 days, dependent on half-life of drug

Duration

  • 3-6 weeks or longer
Clinical Features
  • Anxiety, headache, insomnia, muscle aching/twitching/cramping, nausea, vomiting, diarrhoea, perceptual changes, feelings of unreality, depersonalisation, seizures, agitation, confusion/psychosis
  • Potential Complications
  • Seizures - Convulsions, sensory disturbances, loss of consciousness
  • Delirium - Agitation, hyperactivity, tremor, confusion and disorientation.  Can occur without progressing to delirium tremens
Care & Treatment
  • Stabilising and reduction regime of diazepan

Diarrhoea

  • Atropine Sulphate/Diphenoxylate Hydrochloride (Lomotil)
  • Loperamide Hydrochloride (Imodium)
  • Drink plenty of fluids - 6 - 8 glasses of water a day
  • Eat regular meals

Headaches

  • Paracetamol (Panadol)
  • Massage

Nausea and Vomiting

  • Metoclopramide (Maxolon)
  • Prochlorperazine (Stemetil)
  • Eat small meals and snacks often
  • Drink plenty of water
  • If vomiting, stop eating solid food and try small sips of liquid, or sucking an ice cube. Try a small amount of food once you have kept fluids down for a few hours
  • Rehydration/sports/isotonic drinks such as ‘Powerade'
  • Avoid citrus and caffeine on an empty stomach

Pronounced agitation or insomnia

  • Benzodiazepines: Diazepam, Temazepam tablets* (*Risk/benefit analysis required due to propensity for misuse and exacerbation of depressive symptoms)
  • Reduce coffee, tea, cola and energy drinks during the day and have none after 2 pm
  • Eat 3 meals a day and avoid heavy, spicy meals late at night
  • Avoid napping during the day and keep to regular bed and wake times
  • Exercise regularly (in the day, not after 6 pm)
  • Use relaxation techniques
  • Avoid doing things (i.e. tough phone calls) that might upset you before going to sleep
  • Have a bath in the evening

Stomach cramps

  • HyoscineButylbromide (Buscopan)
  • Have a bath
  • Use a heat rub/ wheat bag
  • Massage

Aches and pains

  • Ibuprofen
  • Have a bath
  • Use a heat rub/ wheat bag
  • Do gentle exercise e.g. walking
  • Massage

Anxiety

  • Use relaxation tapes
  • Reduce caffeine intake
  • Have a bath
  • Do some gentle exercise

Tremors & Twitching

  • Beta-blockers

Seizures

  • Anticonvulsants