Benzodiazepines

• Examples:

  • Diazepam
  • Oxazepam
  • Lorazepam
• Benzodiazepines are central nervous system depressants - same as opioids
• The clinical institute withdrawal assessment scale - benzodiazepines (CIWA-B) can be used to determine the severity of withdrawal
• The main intervention for benzodiazepine misuse is assisted withdrawal and supportive treatments.
• Physiological effects:

  • Altered mental status
  • Slurred speech
  • Ataxia
  • Respiratory distress
  • Hypothermia
  • Coma if overdosed
• Psychological effects:

  • Euphoria
  • Disinhibition
  • Apathy
  • Aggression
  • Anterograde amnesia
  • Labile mood
• Withdrawal from benzodiazepines may result in a wide range of clinical features:

  • Tremor
  • Nausea and vomiting
  • Tachycardia
  • Postural hypotension
  • Agitation
  • Hallucinations and paranoid ideation
  • Seizures