Benzodiazepines and Painkillers

Benzodiazepines (pronounced ‘ben-zoh-die-AZ-a-peens’) are depressant drugs. Which means they slow down the messages travelling between the brain and the body.1 They don’t necessarily make a person feel depressed. Other depressants include alcohol, cannabis and heroin.

Benzodiazepines also are minor tranquillisers, usually prescribed by doctors to relieve stress and anxiety and to help people sleep.2 They can also be used to treat alcohol withdrawal and epilepsy.2

But, medical professionals have become concerned about their risks, particularly if used over a long time.

Benzodiazepines can cause overdose, particularly when used with alcohol or other drugs. They’re also associated with dependence (addiction) and withdrawal symptoms, even after only using them for a short period.

This is why benzodiazepines aren’t the first option for the treatment of insomnia, anxiety or other health concerns.3, 4

Some people take benzodiazepines to get ‘high’ or to help with the ‘come down’ effects of stimulants such as amphetamines or cocaine.