What are benzodiazepines used for?

Benzodiazepines are among the most commonly prescribed medications in the world. These drugs were created to help alleviate the troublesome symptoms of several stressful problems , particularly anxiety disorders and insomnia. In America, benzodiazepines are prescribed because of the following properties: Anti-anxiety: Anxiety and extreme stress can often cause physical symptoms such as a fast heartbeat, shallow breathing, rapid breathing, and heightened blood pressure. The central nervous system is responsible for these essential functions. People who have anxiety or panic disorders may benefit from the depressant qualities of benzodiazepines since the drugs can help slow down these functions. This essentially “tricks” the body into feeling less stressed out. Muscle relaxant: Since benzodiazepines depress the central nervous system, they can help people relax their muscles. For example, if a person suffers from a painful jaw condition called a temporomandibular joint disorder, their dentist may prescribe a benzodiazepine. The condition is caused by tight jaw muscles, and benzodiazepines can help the patient unclench and relax their jaw, releasing the tension placed on the temporomandibular joints. Sedative-hypnotic: Doctors may use benzodiazepines as anesthesia supplements in patients who are preparing for surgery. The relaxing effects of the drugs can help a patient calm down and reduce their anxiety about the operation. Benzodiazepines may also be used in the treatment of alcohol withdrawal if a patient is experiencing difficulties during detox. The sedative qualities of benzodiazepines allow someone recovering from alcohol addiction to enter a state of deep relaxation, during which they can experience the symptoms of alcohol withdrawal in relative comfort. Anticonvulsant: People with convulsive disorders like cerebral palsy may sometimes benefit from using benzodiazepines. For example, a person with epilepsy may have frequent seizures that could cause them to convulse uncontrollably and be injured. This person’s doctor may prescribe a benzodiazepine to reduce the level of convulsing associated with a seizure episode.

How long do benzodiazepines stay in your system?

Xanax (alprazolam) – Xanax takes 1-2 hours to reach its peak effectiveness, with a half-life of 12 hours. Lexotan (bromazepam) – Lexotan takes 1-4 hours to reach its peak effectiveness, with a half-life of 20 hours. Librium (chlordiazepoxide) – Librium takes 1-4 hours to reach its peak effectiveness, with a half-life of 100 hours. Klonopin (clonazepam) – Klonopin takes 1-4 hours to reach its peak effectiveness, with a half-life of 34 hours. Valium (diazepam) – Valium takes 1-2 hours to reach its peak effectiveness, with a half-life of 100 hours. Ativan (lorazepam) – Ativan takes 1-4 hours to reach its peak effectiveness, with a half-life of 15 hours. Rohypnol (flunitrazepam) – Rohypnol takes 1-2 hours to reach its peak effectiveness, with a half-life between 18 and 26 hours. The length of time it takes for benzodiazepines to leave your system varies from person to person and dose to dose, with factors like age, weight, the specific drug ingested and more affecting these timeframes. However, a urine test for benzos can generally detect the presence of benzos for up to 7 days after the last dose, while a hair follicle test can detect it for up to 90 days . Peak levels and drug half-life of benzodiazepines depend on the specific drug that has been ingested, dosage amount, the time between doses and method of administration. In general, benzos can be divided into these three categories: Ultra-short-acting benzos – The half-life of ultra-short-acting benzodiazepines is 5 hours or less. Short-acting and intermediate benzos – This class of benzodiazepines have a half-life that ranges from 5-24 hours. Long-acting benzos – Long-acting benzodiazepines have half-life values of 24 hours or longer. Benzos in this group have long-acting pharmacologically active metabolites that create significant stores inside the body with multiple doses.

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Q: What is “Benzo Belly?”

“ Benzo belly ” is a term used to describe the stomach discomfort that happens when people withdraw from a benzodiazepine medication. “Benzo belly” usually begins in the protracted withdrawal phase. It may continue for several weeks after the last dose of a benzodiazepine. Symptoms usually get better with time but may last a year or more for some people.

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