Your Prescription Drug Destination
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Benzodiazepine Abuse
WHAT YOU SHOULD
KNOW
Benzodiazepines (BEN-zo-die-AZ-a-peens) are a type of
tranquilizing medication frequently prescribed for anxiety or
trouble sleeping. If you use benzodiazepines for several months
or take more pills than prescribed, you may become dependent on
them. Benzodiazepine abuse can interfere with thinking and
memory, and may lead to depression. You also face the danger of
an accidental overdose. If you stop taking
benzodiazepines suddenly, you will become ill. It is better to
taper off gradually.
Causes
Dependence on benzodiazepines take hold in two ways. It
can develop gradually if you take low doses for several months
or years, or set in quickly if you take higher doses than you
are supposed to.
Signs/Symptoms
If you become dependent on a
benzodiazepine, you will feel an intense craving for it and get
sick if you do not take it. You may also need to take more and
more of the drug to get the same feeling that a smaller dosage
used to provide. If you stop taking the drug suddenly
you may develop withdrawal symptoms such as shaking,
nervousness, insomnia, upset stomach, vomiting, fast heartbeat,
sweating, and (sometimes) sensitivity to bright lights or loud
noises. Some people have seizures or hallucinations.
Care
Your doctor is likely to gradually reduce your daily
dosage. You may need counseling to help you stop using the drug
and other medicines to help ease the withdrawal
symptoms.
WHAT YOU SHOULD DO
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Don't take more of any drug than your doctor directs;
and never take a benzodiazepine for an extended period of
time. Ask your doctor how long it's safe to continue taking
the drug.
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Tell your doctor exactly how much of the drug you
have been taking. Also tell your doctor if you are taking
any other medications. Don't hesitate to be honest. Doctors
are familiar with the problem.
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Don't try to stop taking the drug all at
once.
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The first step to quitting is to admit you have a
problem. Be honest and open with family and close friends.
Ask for their help.
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Stay away from people who use drugs and who encourage
others to use them.
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Support-group meetings and counseling can help you
quit. Take advantage of both.
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Eat a healthy diet, drink 6 to 8 glasses of water a
day, and get plenty of rest.
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Don't smoke or drink coffee or alcohol. They can make
you nervous and increase your withdrawal
symptoms.
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Don't dwell on the problem. Find new things to do.
Get out of the house every day. Go for walks
outside.
Call Your Doctor If...
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You cannot fight the need to take more drugs; call
your doctor, a counselor, friend, or a family member you
trust RIGHT AWAY.
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You feel your problems are getting the best of you
and you can't deal with them on your
own.
Seek Care Immediately If...
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You pass out or have a seizure.
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You start using the drugs again.
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