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Benzodiazepines
History: Benzodiazepines are a type of anti-anxiety drug that proved to make patients less drowsy and had a larger safety margin opposed to other anti-anxieties. Originally, physicians saw very little physical or psychological dependence on the drugs but decades later, reports showed that dependencies were forming.[1]
Modes of Intake: Benzodiazepines are taken orally in the form of pills.[1]
Immediate effects: Benzodiazepines cause an increase in appetite, usually leading to weight gain. The immediate effects of benzodiazepines are similar to those of alcohol. These effects may last through the next day as well. [2]
Long term effects: Levels of anxiety are lowered. Feelings of arousal and vigor increases in fatigue and confusion.They can interfere with memory and reaction time is slowed.[2]
Medical applications: Benzodiazepines are useful in treating multiple sclerosis, Parkinson's disease and brain injury. They are also used to help treat back and muscle strain. Benzodiazepines are anticonvulsants and they are helpful in treating seizures and infantile spasms. They are not however, useful with long term control of epilepsy.[2]
Misuse and Abuse: Benzodiazepines are sometimes used for recreational purposes. They are normally taken accompanied by another drug or alcohol. The illicit use of these drugs decreased from 1975 to 1992 but increased again from 1992 to 2000. Majority of these users were in grade 12. Overdoses are not common and do not produce extremely harmful effects on the body.[2]
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History: Benzodiazepines are a type of anti-anxiety drug that proved to make patients less drowsy and had a larger safety margin opposed to other anti-anxieties. Originally, physicians saw very little physical or psychological dependence on the drugs but decades later, reports showed that dependencies were forming.[1]
Modes of Intake: Benzodiazepines are taken orally in the form of pills.[1]
Immediate effects: Benzodiazepines cause an increase in appetite, usually leading to weight gain. The immediate effects of benzodiazepines are similar to those of alcohol. These effects may last through the next day as well. [2]
Long term effects: Levels of anxiety are lowered. Feelings of arousal and vigor increases in fatigue and confusion.They can interfere with memory and reaction time is slowed.[2]
Medical applications: Benzodiazepines are useful in treating multiple sclerosis, Parkinson's disease and brain injury. They are also used to help treat back and muscle strain. Benzodiazepines are anticonvulsants and they are helpful in treating seizures and infantile spasms. They are not however, useful with long term control of epilepsy.[2]
Misuse and Abuse: Benzodiazepines are sometimes used for recreational purposes. They are normally taken accompanied by another drug or alcohol. The illicit use of these drugs decreased from 1975 to 1992 but increased again from 1992 to 2000. Majority of these users were in grade 12. Overdoses are not common and do not produce extremely harmful effects on the body.[2]
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