Benzodiazepines: Difference between revisions

>Tracer
m Tracer moved page Benzodiazepine to Benzodiazepines over redirect
>David Hedlund
Toxicity and harm potential: File:HarmCausedByDrugsTable.svg
 
(15 intermediate revisions by 9 users not shown)
Line 2: Line 2:
[[File:Substituted_benzodiazepine.svg|227px|thumb|right|The core structure of benzodiazepines]]
[[File:Substituted_benzodiazepine.svg|227px|thumb|right|The core structure of benzodiazepines]]
[[File:Xanax (alprazolam) 2 mg.jpg|200px|thumbnail|[[Xanax]] (alprazolam) 2 mg tri-score tablets]]
[[File:Xanax (alprazolam) 2 mg.jpg|200px|thumbnail|[[Xanax]] (alprazolam) 2 mg tri-score tablets]]
'''Benzodiazepines''' (commonly referred to as '''benzos''') are a class of psychoactive substances that act as central nervous system [[depressants]]. These substances work by magnifying the efficiency and effects of the principal inhibitory [[neurotransmitter]] '''gamma-aminobutyric acid''' ([[GABA]]) by binding to and acting on its receptors.<ref>Benzodiazepine interactions with GABA receptors (PubMed.gov / NCBI) | http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/6147796</ref>  
'''Benzodiazepines''' (commonly referred to as '''benzos''') are a class of psychoactive substances that act as central nervous system [[depressants]]. These substances work by magnifying the efficiency and effects of the principal inhibitory [[neurotransmitter]] '''gamma-aminobutyric acid''' ([[GABA]]) by binding to and acting on its receptors.<ref name="Haefely1984">{{cite journal | vauthors=((Haefely, W.)) | journal=Neuroscience Letters | title=Benzodiazepine interactions with GABA receptors | volume=47 | issue=3 | pages=201–206 | date=29 June 1984 | issn=0304-3940 | doi=10.1016/0304-3940(84)90514-7}}</ref>  


The characteristic effects of benzodiazepines include [[anxiety suppression]], [[sedation]], [[muscle relaxation]], [[disinhibition]], [[sleepiness]] and [[amnesia]]. In a medical context, short-acting benzodiazepines are typically recommended for treating insomnia or acute panic attacks while long-acting ones are recommended for the treatment of anxiety disorders.<ref>Pharmacological Treatment of Mental Disorders in Primary Health Care | https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK143206/</ref>
The characteristic effects of benzodiazepines include [[anxiety suppression]], [[sedation]], [[muscle relaxation]], [[disinhibition]], [[sleepiness]] and [[amnesia]]. In a medical context, short-acting benzodiazepines are typically recommended for treating insomnia or acute panic attacks while long-acting ones are recommended for the treatment of anxiety disorders.<ref>{{cite book | date= 2009 | title=Medicines used in generalized anxiety and sleep disorders | publisher=World Health Organization | url=https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK143206/}}</ref>


{{BenzoWarning}}
{{BenzoWarning}}
Line 25: Line 25:


==Chemistry==
==Chemistry==
Benzodiazepine is a heterocyclic compound comprised of a benzene ring fused to a seven-member nitrogenous diazepine ring. Benzodiazepine drugs contain an additional substituted phenyl ring bonded at R<sub>5</sub>, resulting in 5-phenyl-1,4-benzodiazepines with different side groups attached to the structure to create a number of drugs with different strength, duration, and efficacy.  
Benzodiazepines are heterocyclic compounds comprised of a benzene ring fused to a seven-member nitrogenous diazepine ring. Benzodiazepine drugs contain an additional substituted phenyl ring bonded at R<sub>5</sub>, resulting in 5-phenyl-1,4-benzodiazepines with different side groups attached to the structure to create a number of drugs with different strength, duration, and efficacy.  


Benzodiazepine drugs commonly contain an aromatic electrophilic substitution such as aromatic halogenation or nitration on R<sub>7</sub> of their rings. Benzodiazepines can be subdivided into triazolobenzodiazepines and ketone substituted benzodiazepines. Triazolobenzodiazepines contain a triazole ring bonded to the benzodiazepine structure and are distinguished by the suffix "-zolam." Ketone substituted rings contain a ketone oxygen bond at R<sub>2</sub> of their benzodiazepine structure and are distinguished by their suffix "-azepam."
Benzodiazepine drugs commonly contain an aromatic electrophilic substitution such as aromatic halogenation or nitration on R<sub>7</sub> of their rings. Benzodiazepines can be subdivided into triazolobenzodiazepines and ketone substituted benzodiazepines. Triazolobenzodiazepines contain a triazole ring bonded to the benzodiazepine structure and are distinguished by the suffix "-zolam." Ketone substituted rings contain a ketone oxygen bond at R<sub>2</sub> of their benzodiazepine structure and are distinguished by their suffix "-azepam."


===Chemical classes===
==Pharmacology==
<div class="flex-panel">
Benzodiazepines produce a variety of effects by binding to the benzodiazepine receptor site and magnifying the efficiency and effects of the neurotransmitter [[GABA|gamma aminobutyric acid (GABA)]] by acting on its [[receptor]]s.<ref name="Haefely1984" /> As this site is the most prolific inhibitory receptor set within the brain, its modulation results in the [[sedating]] (or [[anxiety suppression|calming effects]]) of benzodiazepines on the nervous system.
    <div class="flex-column">
    <div class="panel radius">
<h3 class="panel-header">Benzodiazepines</h3>
 
<ul class="featured-table">
<li class="featured list-item">
*[[Clonazepam]]
*[[Diazepam]]
*[[Diclazepam]]
*[[Flubromazepam]]
*[[Lorazepam]]
*[[Nifoxipam]]
*[[Nordazepam]]
*[[Oxazepam]]
*[[Phenazepam]]
*[[Temazepam]]
</li>
</ul>
</div>
</div>
 
    <div class="flex-column">
    <div class="panel radius">
<h3 class="panel-header">[[Thienodiazepines]]</h3>


<ul class="featured-table">
The [[anticonvulsant]] properties of benzodiazepines may be, in part or entirely, due to binding to voltage-dependent sodium channels rather than benzodiazepine receptors.<ref>{{cite journal | vauthors=((McLean, M. J.)), ((Macdonald, R. L.)) | journal=The Journal of Pharmacology and Experimental Therapeutics | title=Benzodiazepines, but not beta carbolines, limit high frequency repetitive firing of action potentials of spinal cord neurons in cell culture | volume=244 | issue=2 | pages=789–795 | date= February 1988 | issn=0022-3565}}</ref>
<li class="featured list-item">


*[[Brotizolam]]
Benzodiazepines function as weak adenosine reuptake inhibitors. It has been suggested that some of their [[anticonvulsant]], [[anxiolytic]], and [[muscle relaxant]] effects may be in part mediated by this action.<ref>{{cite journal | vauthors=((Narimatsu, E.)), ((Niiya, T.)), ((Kawamata, M.)), ((Namiki, A.)) | journal=Masui. The Japanese Journal of Anesthesiology | title=[The mechanisms of depression by benzodiazepines, barbiturates and propofol of excitatory synaptic transmissions mediated by adenosine neuromodulation] | volume=55 | issue=6 | pages=684–691 | date= June 2006 | issn=0021-4892}}</ref>
*[[Bentazepam]]
*[[Deschloroetizolam]]
*[[Etizolam]]
*[[Metizolam]]


</li>
</ul>
</div>
</div>
<div class="flex-column">
<div class="panel radius">
<h3 class="panel-header">[[Triazolobenzodiazepine]]</h3>
<ul class="featured-table">
<li class="featured list-item">
*[[Alprazolam]]
*[[Triazolam]]
*[[Estazolam]]
*[[Pyrazolam]]
*[[Flubromazolam]]
*[[Clonazolam]]
*[[Flunitrazolam]]
*[[Nitrazolam]]
</li>
</ul>
</div>
</div>
<div class="flex-column">
<div class="panel radius">
<h3 class="panel-header">[[Thienotriazolodiazepines]]</h3>
<ul class="featured-table">
<li class="featured list-item">
*[[Deschloroetizolam]]
*[[Etizolam]]
*[[Metizolam]]
*[[Brotizolam]]
</li>
</ul>
</div>
</div>
<div class="flex-column">
<div class="panel radius">
<h3 class="panel-header">[[Imidazobenzodiazepine]]</h3>
<ul class="featured-table">
<li class="featured list-item">
*[[Midazolam]]
*[[Loprazolam]]
</li>
</ul>
</div>
</div>
</div>
==Pharmacology==
Benzodiazepines produce a variety of effects by binding to the benzodiazepine receptor site and magnifying the efficiency and effects of the neurotransmitter [[GABA|gamma aminobutyric acid (GABA)]] by acting on its [[receptor]]s.<ref>Benzodiazepine interactions with GABA receptors (PubMed.gov / NCBI) | http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/6147796</ref> As this site is the most prolific inhibitory receptor set within the brain, its modulation results in the [[sedating]] (or [[anxiety suppression|calming effects]]) of benzodiazepines on the nervous system.
The [[anticonvulsant]] properties of benzodiazepines may be, in part or entirely, due to binding to voltage-dependent sodium channels rather than benzodiazepine receptors.<ref>Benzodiazepines, but not beta-carbolines, limit high-frequency repetitive firing of action potentials of spinal cord neurons in cell culture. (PubMed.gov / NCBI) | http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/2450203</ref>
Benzodiazepines function as weak adenosine reuptake inhibitors. It has been suggested that some of their [[anticonvulsant]], [[anxiolytic]], and [[muscle relaxant]] effects may be in part mediated by this action.<ref>[The mechanisms of depression by benzodiazepines, barbiturates and propofol of excitatory synaptic transmissions mediated by adenosine neuromodulation]. (PubMed.gov / NCBI) | https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/16780077</ref>


==Subjective effects==
==Subjective effects==
Line 138: Line 46:
*'''[[Effect::Physical euphoria]]'''
*'''[[Effect::Physical euphoria]]'''
*'''[[Effect::Motor control loss]]'''
*'''[[Effect::Motor control loss]]'''
*'''[[Effect::Seizure suppression]]'''<ref>Henriksen, O. (1998) ‘An overview of Benzodiazepines in seizure management’, Epilepsia, 39(SUPPL. 1), pp. 2–6. doi: 10.1111/j.1528-1157.1998.tb02601.x.</ref>
*'''[[Effect::Seizure suppression]]'''<ref>{{cite journal | vauthors=((Woolley, C. S.)), ((Schwartzkroin, P. A.)) | journal=Epilepsia | title=Hormonal Effects on the Brain | volume=39 | issue=s8 | pages=S2–S8 | date= August 1998 | url=https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1111/j.1528-1157.1998.tb02601.x | issn=0013-9580 | doi=10.1111/j.1528-1157.1998.tb02601.x}}</ref>
*'''[[Effect::Respiratory depression]]'''
*'''[[Effect::Respiratory depression]]'''
*'''[[Effect::Dizziness]]'''
*'''[[Effect::Dizziness]]'''
Line 145: Line 53:
{{effects/paradoxical|
{{effects/paradoxical|


Paradoxical reactions to [[benzodiazepines]] such as increased seizures (in epileptics), aggression, increased anxiety, violent behavior, loss of impulse control, irritability and suicidal behavior sometimes occur (although they are rare in the general population, with an incidence rate below 1%).<ref>http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/18922233 | Saïas T, Gallarda T | Paradoxical aggressive reactions to benzodiazepine use: a review</ref><ref>Paton C | Benzodiazepines and disinhibition: a review | Psychiatr Bull R Coll Psychiatr | http://pb.rcpsych.org/cgi/reprint/26/12/460.pdf</ref><p>
Paradoxical reactions to [[benzodiazepines]] such as increased seizures (in epileptics), aggression, increased anxiety, violent behavior, loss of impulse control, irritability and suicidal behavior sometimes occur (although they are rare in the general population, with an incidence rate below 1%).<ref>{{cite journal | vauthors=((Saïas, T.)), ((Gallarda, T.)) | journal=L’Encephale | title=[Paradoxical aggressive reactions to benzodiazepine use: a review] | volume=34 | issue=4 | pages=330–336 | date= September 2008 | issn=0013-7006 | doi=10.1016/j.encep.2007.05.005}}</ref><ref>{{cite journal | vauthors=((Paton, C.)) | journal=Psychiatric Bulletin | title=Benzodiazepines and disinhibition: a review | volume=26 | issue=12 | pages=460–462 | date= December 2002 | url=https://www.cambridge.org/core/journals/psychiatric-bulletin/article/benzodiazepines-and-disinhibition-a-review/421AF197362B55EDF004700452BF3BC6 | issn=0955-6036 | doi=10.1192/pb.26.12.460}}</ref><p>
These paradoxical effects occur with greater frequency in recreational abusers, individuals with mental disorders, children, and patients on high-dosage regimes.<ref>Bond AJ | Drug-induced behavioral disinhibition: incidence, mechanisms, and therapeutic implications | CNS Drugs</ref><ref>Drummer OH | Benzodiazepines—effects on human performance and behavior | Forensic Sci Rev</ref></p>
These paradoxical effects occur with greater frequency in recreational abusers, individuals with mental disorders, children, and patients on high-dosage regimes.<ref>{{cite journal | vauthors=((Bond, A. J.)) | journal=CNS Drugs | title=Drug- Induced Behavioural Disinhibition | volume=9 | issue=1 | pages=41–57 | date=1 January 1998 | url=https://doi.org/10.2165/00023210-199809010-00005 | issn=1179-1934 | doi=10.2165/00023210-199809010-00005}}</ref><ref>{{cite journal | vauthors=((Drummer, O. H.)) | journal=Forensic Science Review | title=Benzodiazepines - Effects on Human Performance and Behavior | volume=14 | issue=1–2 | pages=1–14 | date= February 2002 | issn=1042-7201}}</ref></p>


}}
}}
Line 152: Line 60:
*'''[[Effect::Anxiety suppression]]'''
*'''[[Effect::Anxiety suppression]]'''
*'''[[Effect::Disinhibition]]'''
*'''[[Effect::Disinhibition]]'''
*'''[[Effect::Cognitive euphoria]]''' - This effect is not consistently produced between individuals and seems to be highly dependent on personal factors. Some people do not report any euphoric effects following benzodiazepine use. When it does occur, it is typically described as mild to moderate and is commonly thought to occur at a higher rate in those with pre-existing [[anxiety]] issues. This may partly be the result of the immediateness in which the anxiety-relieving and disinhibiting effects are produced. While this effect may not be entirely consistent, many reports suggest that certain benzodiazepines are more reliable and effective at producing euphoria over others. <ref>https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3684331/ | Benzodiazepine Pharmacology and Central Nervous System–Mediated Effects</ref>
*'''[[Effect::Cognitive euphoria]]''' - This effect is not consistently produced between individuals and seems to be highly dependent on personal factors. Some people do not report any euphoric effects following benzodiazepine use. When it does occur, it is typically described as mild to moderate and is commonly thought to occur at a higher rate in those with pre-existing [[anxiety]] issues. This may partly be the result of the immediateness in which the anxiety-relieving and disinhibiting effects are produced. While this effect may not be entirely consistent, many reports suggest that certain benzodiazepines are more reliable and effective at producing euphoria over others. <ref>{{cite journal | vauthors=((Griffin, C. E.)), ((Kaye, A. M.)), ((Bueno, F. R.)), ((Kaye, A. D.)) | journal=The Ochsner Journal | title=Benzodiazepine Pharmacology and Central Nervous System–Mediated Effects | volume=13 | issue=2 | pages=214–223 | date= 2013 | url=https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3684331/ | issn=1524-5012}}</ref>
*'''[[Effect::Memory suppression]]'''
*'''[[Effect::Memory suppression]]'''
**'''[[Effect::Amnesia]]'''
**'''[[Effect::Amnesia]]'''
Line 166: Line 74:


*'''[[Effect::Anxiety|Rebound anxiety]]''' - Rebound anxiety is a commonly observed effect with [[anxiety suppression|anxiety relieving]] substances like [[benzodiazepines]]. It typically corresponds to the total duration spent under the substance's influence along with the total amount consumed in a given period, an effect which can easily lend itself to cycles of dependence and addiction.
*'''[[Effect::Anxiety|Rebound anxiety]]''' - Rebound anxiety is a commonly observed effect with [[anxiety suppression|anxiety relieving]] substances like [[benzodiazepines]]. It typically corresponds to the total duration spent under the substance's influence along with the total amount consumed in a given period, an effect which can easily lend itself to cycles of dependence and addiction.
*'''[[Effect::Dream potentiation]]'''<ref>Goyal, Sarita. "Drugs and Dreams." Indian Journal of Clinical Practice (n.d.): n. pag. Web.  | http://medind.nic.in/iaa/t13/i3/iaat13i3p624.pdf</ref> or '''[[Effect::Dream suppression]]'''
*'''[[Effect::Dream potentiation]]'''<ref>{{cite journal | vauthors=((Goyal, S.)) | journal=Canadian Medical Association Journal | title=Drugs and dreams | volume=102 | issue=5 | pages=524 | date=14 March 1970 | issn=0008-4409}}</ref> or '''[[Effect::Dream suppression]]'''
*'''[[Effect::Sleepiness|Residual sleepiness]]''' - While benzodiazepines can be used as an effective [[hypnotic|sleep-inducing]] aid, their effects may persist into the morning afterward, which may lead users to feeling "groggy" or "dull" for up to a few hours.  
*'''[[Effect::Sleepiness|Residual sleepiness]]''' - While benzodiazepines can be used as an effective [[hypnotic|sleep-inducing]] aid, their effects may persist into the morning afterward, which may lead users to feeling "groggy" or "dull" for up to a few hours.  
*'''[[Effect::Thought deceleration]]'''  
*'''[[Effect::Thought deceleration]]'''  
Line 174: Line 82:
}}
}}
}}
}}
==List of substituted benzodiazepines==
====Substituted 1,4-benzodiazepines====
{| class="wikitable"
|-
! scope="col" |'''Compound'''
! scope="col" style="width: 50px;" |'''R<sub>1</sub>'''
! scope="col" style="width: 50px;" |'''R<sub>2</sub>'''
! scope="col" style="width: 50px;" |'''R<sub>3</sub>'''
! scope="col" style="width: 50px;" |'''R<sub>4</sub>'''
! scope="col" style="width: 50px;" |'''R<sub>5</sub>'''
! scope="col" style="width: 50px;" |'''R<sub>6</sub>'''
! scope="col" style="width: 50px;" |'''R<sub>7</sub>'''
! scope="col" |'''Structure'''
|-
|[[Chlordiazepoxide]]|| ||NHCH<sub>3</sub>||H||O||C<sub>6</sub>H<sub>5</sub>||H||Cl||[[File:Chlordiazepoxide.svg|170px]]
|-
|[[Bromazepam]]||H||=O||H|| ||C<sub>5</sub>H<sub>4</sub>N||H||Br||[[File:Bromazepam.svg|170px]]
|-
|[[Flubromazepam]]||H||=O||H|| ||C<sub>6</sub>H<sub>4</sub>F||H||Br||[[File:Flubromazepam.svg|170px]]
|-
|[[Diazepam]]||CH<sub>3</sub>||=O||H|| ||C<sub>6</sub>H<sub>5</sub>||H||Cl||[[File:Diazepam.svg|170px]]
|-
|[[Diclazepam]]||CH<sub>3</sub>||=O||H|| ||C<sub>6</sub>H<sub>4</sub>Cl||H||Cl||[[File:Diclazepam.svg|170px]]
|-
|[[Lorazepam]]||H||=O||OH|| ||C<sub>6</sub>H<sub>4</sub>Cl||H||Cl||[[File:Lorazepam.svg|170px]]
|-
|[[Oxazepam]]||H||=O||OH|| ||C<sub>6</sub>H<sub>5</sub>||H||Cl||[[File:Oxazepam.svg|170px]]
|-
|[[Temazepam]]||CH<sub>3</sub>||=O||OH|| ||C<sub>6</sub>H<sub>5</sub>||H||Cl||[[File:Temazepam.svg|170px]]
|-
|[[Cinolazepam]]||CH<sub>2</sub>CH<sub>2</sub>≡N||=O||OH|| ||C<sub>6</sub>H<sub>4</sub>F||H||Cl||[[File:Cinolazepam.svg|170px]]
|-
|[[Clonazepam]]||H||=O||H|| ||C<sub>6</sub>H<sub>4</sub>Cl||H||NO<sub>2</sub>||[[File:Clonazepam.svg|170px]]
|-
|[[Flunitrazepam]]||CH<sub>3</sub>||=O||H|| ||C<sub>6</sub>H<sub>4</sub>F||H||NO<sub>2</sub>||[[File:Flunitrazepam.svg|170px]]
|-
|[[Meclonazepam]]||H||=O||CH<sub>3</sub>|| ||C<sub>6</sub>H<sub>4</sub>Cl||H||NO<sub>2</sub>||[[File:Meclonazepam.svg|170px]]
|-
|[[Nifoxipam]]||H||=O||OH|| ||C<sub>6</sub>H<sub>4</sub>F||H||NO<sub>2</sub>||[[File:Nifoxipam.svg|170px]]
|-
|[[Alprazolam]]||C(CH<sub>3</sub>)=N-||=N-||H|| ||C<sub>6</sub>H<sub>5</sub>||H||Cl||[[File:Alprazolam.svg|170px]]
|-
|[[Pyrazolam]]||C(CH<sub>3</sub>)=N-||=N-||H|| ||C<sub>5</sub>H<sub>4</sub>N||H||Br||[[File:Pyrazolam.svg|170px]]
|-
|[[Flubromazolam]]||C(CH<sub>3</sub>)=N-||=N-||H|| ||C<sub>6</sub>H<sub>4</sub>F||H||Br||[[File:Flubromazolam.svg|170px]]
|-
|[[Midazolam]]||C(CH<sub>3</sub>)=N-||=N-||H|| ||C<sub>6</sub>H<sub>4</sub>F||H||Cl||[[File:Midazolam.svg|170px]]
|-
|[[Triazolam]]||C(CH<sub>3</sub>)=N-||=N-||H|| ||C<sub>6</sub>H<sub>4</sub>Cl||H||Cl||[[File:Triazolam.svg|170px]]
|-
|[[Clonazolam]]||C(CH<sub>3</sub>)=N-||=N-||H|| ||C<sub>6</sub>H<sub>4</sub>Cl||H||NO<sub>2</sub>||[[File:Clonazolam.svg|170px]]
|-
|[[Flunitrazolam]]||C(CH<sub>3</sub>)=N-||=N-||H|| ||C<sub>6</sub>H<sub>4</sub>F||H||NO<sub>2</sub>||[[File:Flunitrazolam.svg|170px]]
|-
|[[Flumazenil]]||CH=N-||C(C<sub>3</sub>H<sub>5</sub>O<sub>2</sub>)-||H||CH<sub>3</sub>||=O||H||F||[[File:Flumazenil.svg|170px]]
|-
|[[Bretazenil]]||CH=N-||C(C<sub>5</sub>H<sub>9</sub>O<sub>2</sub>)-||CH<sub>2</sub>CH<sub>2</sub>-||CH<sub>2</sub>-||=O||Br||H||[[File:Bretazenil.svg|170px]]
|-
|[[Clozapine]]||H||CH=CH-||CH=CH(Cl)-|| ||C<sub>5</sub>H<sub>11</sub>N<sub>2</sub>||H||H||[[File:Clozapine.svg|170px]]
|-
|[[Dibenzepin]]||CH<sub>3</sub>||CH=CH-||CH=CH-||C<sub>4</sub>H<sub>10</sub>N||=O||H||H||[[File:Dibenzepin.svg|170px]]
|-
|}


==Equivalent dosages==
==Equivalent dosages==
The dosages below represent approximate equivalent dosages between various benzodiazepines in comparison to 10mg of [[diazepam]].
The dosages below represent approximate equivalent dosages between various benzodiazepines in comparison to 10mg of [[diazepam]].


The authors of this table specifically state that their equivalents differ from those used by other authors and "are firmly based on clinical experience during switch-over to diazepam at the start of withdrawal programs but may vary between individuals."<ref>BENZODIAZEPINE EQUIVALENCE TABLE | http://www.benzo.org.uk/bzequiv.htm</ref>
The authors of this table specifically state that their equivalents differ from those used by other authors and "are firmly based on clinical experience during switch-over to diazepam at the start of withdrawal programs but may vary between individuals."<ref>{{Citation | title=benzo.org.uk : Benzodiazepine Equivalence Table | url=https://www.benzo.org.uk/bzequiv.htm}}</ref>


<div class="flex-panel align-column" style="flex-flow: column wrap;">
<div class="flex-panel align-column" style="flex-flow: column wrap;">
Line 292: Line 266:
When combined with benzodiazepines, the visual hallucinations induced by [[hallucinogenic]] substances (particularly [[psychedelics]]) may significantly decrease along with any underlying [[anxiety]] that may be present.{{citation needed}}
When combined with benzodiazepines, the visual hallucinations induced by [[hallucinogenic]] substances (particularly [[psychedelics]]) may significantly decrease along with any underlying [[anxiety]] that may be present.{{citation needed}}


Along with [[antipsychotics]] such as [[quetiapine]] (''Seroquel''), benzodiazepines are commonly [[administered]] in hospital settings to treat patients presenting symptoms of hallucinogen overdose or [[psychosis]].<ref>Benzodiazepines alone or in combination with antipsychotic drugs for acute psychosis | https://www.cochrane.org/CD003079/SCHIZ_benzodiazepines-alone-or-combination-antipsychotic-drugs-acute-psychosis</ref>
Along with [[antipsychotics]] such as [[quetiapine]] (''Seroquel''), benzodiazepines are commonly [[administered]] in hospital settings to treat patients presenting symptoms of hallucinogen overdose or [[psychosis]].<ref>{{Citation | title=Benzodiazepines alone or in combination with antipsychotic drugs for acute psychosis | url=https://www.cochrane.org/CD003079/SCHIZ_benzodiazepines-alone-or-combination-antipsychotic-drugs-acute-psychosis}}</ref>


==Toxicity and harm potential==
==Toxicity and harm potential==
[[File:harmchart.png|thumb|right|300px|Radar plot showing relative physical harm, social harm, and dependence of benzodiazepines in comparison to other drugs.<ref>Development of a rational scale to assess the harm of drugs of potential misuse (ScienceDirect) | http://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0140673607604644</ref>]]
[[File:HarmCausedByDrugsTable.svg|thumb|upright=1.35|Table from the 2010 ISCD study ranking various drugs (legal and illegal) based on statements by drug-harm experts. Benzodiazepines were found to be the 10th most dangerous drug overall.<ref name="Nutt_2010">{{cite journal | vauthors = Nutt DJ, King LA, Phillips LD | title = Drug harms in the UK: a multicriteria decision analysis | journal = Lancet | volume = 376 | issue = 9752 | pages = 1558–1565 | date = November 2010 | pmid = 21036393 | doi = 10.1016/S0140-6736(10)61462-6 | s2cid = 5667719 | citeseerx = 10.1.1.690.1283 }}</ref>]]
Benzodiazepines have a [[Toxicity::low toxicity]] relative to dose, and are considered to be effectively non-lethal on their own.<ref>Benzodiazepine metabolism: an analytical perspective (PubMed.gov / NCBI) | http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/18855614</ref>  However, their potential [[Toxicity::potentially [[respiratory depression|lethality]] increases significantly when mixed with [[depressants]] like [[alcohol]] or [[opioids]]]].
[[File:harmchart.png|thumb|right|300px|Radar plot showing relative physical harm, social harm, and dependence of benzodiazepines in comparison to other drugs.<ref>{{cite journal | vauthors=((Nutt, D.)), ((King, L. A.)), ((Saulsbury, W.)), ((Blakemore, C.)) | journal=The Lancet | title=Development of a rational scale to assess the harm of drugs of potential misuse | volume=369 | issue=9566 | pages=1047–1053 | date=24 March 2007 | url=https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0140673607604644 | issn=0140-6736 | doi=10.1016/S0140-6736(07)60464-4}}</ref>]]
Benzodiazepines have a [[Toxicity::low toxicity]] relative to dose, and are considered to be effectively non-lethal on their own.<ref>{{cite journal | vauthors=((Mandrioli, R.)), ((Mercolini, L.)), ((Raggi, M. A.)) | journal=Current Drug Metabolism | title=Benzodiazepine metabolism: an analytical perspective | volume=9 | issue=8 | pages=827–844 | date= October 2008 | issn=1389-2002 | doi=10.2174/138920008786049258}}</ref>  However, their potential [[Toxicity::potentially [[respiratory depression|lethality]] increases significantly when mixed with [[depressants]] like [[alcohol]] or [[opioids]]]].


It is strongly recommended that one use [[responsible drug use|harm reduction practices]] when using this class of substances.
It is strongly recommended that one use [[responsible drug use|harm reduction practices]] when using this class of substances.
Line 303: Line 278:
Benzodiazepines are known to be [[Addiction potential::extremely physically and psychologically addictive]].{{citation needed}}
Benzodiazepines are known to be [[Addiction potential::extremely physically and psychologically addictive]].{{citation needed}}


Tolerance will develop to the sedative-hypnotic effects [[Time to full tolerance::within a couple of days of continuous use]].<ref>Principles and Practice of Psychopharmacotherapy | http://books.google.com/books?id=_ePK9wwcQUMC&pg=PA535</ref> After cessation, the tolerance returns to baseline in [[Time to zero tolerance::7-14 days]]. Withdrawal symptoms or rebound symptoms may occur after ceasing one's usage abruptly following a few weeks or longer of steady dosing and may necessitate a gradual dose reduction.<ref>Clinical Pharmacology, Clinical Efficacy, and Behavioral Toxicity of Alprazolam: A Review of the Literature | http://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1111/j.1527-3458.2004.tb00003.x/pdf</ref><ref>The American Psychiatric Publishing Textbook of Substance Abuse Treatment | http://books.google.com/books?id=6wdJgejlQzYC&pg=PA222&hl=en#v=onepage&q&f=false</ref>
Tolerance will develop to the sedative-hypnotic effects [[Time to full tolerance::within a couple of days of continuous use]].<ref>{{cite book | vauthors=((Janicak, P. G.)), ((Marder, S. R.)), ((Pavuluri, M. N.)) | date=25 October 2010 | title=Principles and Practice of Psychopharmacotherapy | publisher=Lippincott Williams & Wilkins | isbn=9781605475653}}</ref> After cessation, the tolerance returns to baseline in [[Time to zero tolerance::7-14 days]]. Withdrawal symptoms or rebound symptoms may occur after ceasing one's usage abruptly following a few weeks or longer of steady dosing and may necessitate a gradual dose reduction.<ref>{{cite journal | vauthors=((Verster, J. C.)), ((Volkerts, E. R.)) | journal=CNS Drug Reviews | title=Clinical Pharmacology, Clinical Efficacy, and Behavioral Toxicity of Alprazolam: A Review of the Literature | volume=10 | issue=1 | pages=45–76 | date=7 June 2006 | url=https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1111/j.1527-3458.2004.tb00003.x | issn=1080563X | doi=10.1111/j.1527-3458.2004.tb00003.x}}</ref><ref>{{cite book | vauthors=((Galanter, M.)), ((Kleber, H. D.)) | date= 2008 | title=The American Psychiatric Publishing Textbook of Substance Abuse Treatment | publisher=American Psychiatric Pub. | isbn=9781585622764}}</ref>


===Overdose===
===Overdose===
Line 328: Line 303:
*[https://www.erowid.org/pharms/benzodiazepine/ Benzodiazepines (Erowid Vault)]
*[https://www.erowid.org/pharms/benzodiazepine/ Benzodiazepines (Erowid Vault)]
*[http://www.drugs.com/drug-class/benzodiazepines.html Benzodiazepines (Drugs.com)]
*[http://www.drugs.com/drug-class/benzodiazepines.html Benzodiazepines (Drugs.com)]
*[https://benzo.tripsit.me/ TripSit Benzodiazepine Converter]


==Further reading==
==Further reading==
Line 339: Line 315:
[[Category:Depressant]]
[[Category:Depressant]]
[[Category:Benzodiazepine|*]]
[[Category:Benzodiazepine|*]]
{{#set:Featured=true}}