Benzodiazepine

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Benzodiazepines

Benzodiazepines are depressants prescribed to treat anxiety and sleep disorders.

Common types of benzodiazepines include Valium®, Ativan® and Xanax®. Users might call them downers, downs, benzos, or xanies.

Misuse

Any non-medical use of benzos is misuse. Examples include the following:

Using someone else’s prescription

Taking more or differently than prescribed

Taking for a purpose other than prescribed

Benzodiazepines can be swallowed in the form of pills or crushed and snorted. Users may feel euphoric, dizzy, forgetful or calm.

Risks Associated with Benzodiazepine Misuse

Benzodiazepines slow down brain activity and can cause sleepiness and loss of coordination. Other effects may include slurred speech, loss of motor coordination, weakness, headache, lightheadedness, blurred vision, dizziness, nausea, vomiting, low blood pressure, and slowed breathing. Heavy use of benzodiazepines and using with alcohol or other drugs can change the heart rate and slow breathing enough to cause death.

Additional Resources

U.S. Department of Health and Human Services: FindTreatment.gov

Drug Enforcement Administration Benzodiazepines Drug Fact Sheet

National Institute on Drug Abuse: Drug Facts: Prescription and Over-the-Counter Medications

Above the Influence: Prescription Drugs

More Information

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Alcohol and Drug Use