Benzodiazepines, or benzos, are a type of medication that “depresses” or slows down your central nervous system†. Benzos include tranquilizers and sleeping pills. In the medical world, they are called sedatives or anxiolytic agents.
Long-term effects of benzodiazepines can include:
- problems with concentration and learning
- Develop tolerance
- Develop a dependence
- Develop a Substance Use Disorder
Developing tolerance is that to get the same effects more and more of the drug is required. If you stop taking the drug for a few days and then start taking the drug at the same dose you were used to, it may increase chances of an overdose. This is because you lose tolerance to the medication when stopping it, even for a few days.
According to the Huffington Post Article “Despite the risks, “benzos” continue to be widely used across Canada — about four million prescriptions are filled annually in Ontario alone — a trend that experts say raises concerns about the way drugs are monitored once they’re on the market and the lack of awareness about their potentially fatal side-effects.” To read full article click here
Recent study shows that Cannabis may help patients eliminate Benzodiazepines
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