Benzodiazepines (Benzos)
What are they?
Benzodiazepines or “benzos” are prescription medications that slow down activity in the brain and nervous system. They’re used to treat conditions like anxiety, panic disorders, insomnia, and seizures. They’re only available with a prescription because they can be misused and have dangerous effects.
Common brand and street names include:
- Xanax® (alprazolam)
- Klonopin® (clonazepam)
- Ativan® (lorazepam)
- Valium® (diazepam)
- Restoril® (temazepam)
- Halcion® (triazolam)
- Librium®, Onfi®, Tranxene®, Dalmane®, ProSom®, and others
These medications can be safe when used as prescribed. Misuse of prescriptions and counterfeit or fake pills can pose serious risks.
Rohypnol (flunitrazepam) often called “roofies” is an illegal benzodiazepine. It is known as a “date rape” drug because it can be slipped into drinks without taste or smell. Roofies can cause a person to lose consciousness.
Counterfeit risk: fake pills can look identical to prescription benzos. You can’t tell if a pill is real just by looking at it. Fake pills may contain other substances, like fentanyl, that can cause overdose and death.
Naloxone is a medication that can reverse an overdose caused by opioids like fentanyl. Fentanyl may be present in counterfeit benzos. Naloxone will not harm someone who hasn’t taken opioids and can save a life if an overdose occurs. Click here to find naloxone.
How they work
Benzodiazepines boost the effects of a brain chemical called GABA, which helps slow down activity in the brain and nervous system. This creates a calming effect that can:
- Reduce anxiety or panic
- Make you sleepy or relaxed
- Slow your thinking and reflexes
- Cause forgetfulness or memory loss
Mixing benzos with alcohol or other drugs can slow breathing and heart rate to dangerous levels, sometimes leading to overdose.
Short-term effects
When taken as prescribed, benzodiazepines can help people feel calm and sleepy. However, misuse or high doses can cause side effects such as:
- Drowsiness or dizziness
- Slowed reaction time and confusion
- Poor coordination or balance
- Slurred speech
- Memory problems or “blackouts” (especially with drugs like Halcion®)
- Difficulty breathing, especially when mixed with alcohol or opioids
- Risk of overdose when combined with other depressants
Long-term effects
Using benzodiazepines regularly or for long periods can lead to:
- Tolerance, needing more to feel the same effect
- Dependence, feeling sick or anxious when not taking them
- Addiction, compulsive use despite harm
- Problems with attention, memory, and decision-making
- Increased risk of depression or anxiety when stopping suddenly
- Sleep problems and “rebound” insomnia
- Higher risk of falls, fractures, and confusion in older adults
Benzodiazepine withdrawal
When someone uses benzodiazepines frequently, in increasing doses, and over a long period of time, the body can develop dependence to the drug. This may lead to withdrawal when drug use is stopped suddenly. There can be a wide range of symptoms associated with benzodiazepine withdrawal including anxiety, irritability, hallucinations, insomnia, severe mental disorders, and seizures. These symptoms can be life threatening. Benzodiazepine tapering and withdrawal should take place under the supervision of a qualified health care provider.
Impacts on mental health
Benzodiazepines can help ease anxiety, insomnia, and seizures by calming the nervous system. However, they don’t address the root causes of these conditions.
Long-term or frequent use can lead to dependence. It can also disrupt brain chemistry, sometimes worsening anxiety, depression, or sleep over time.
These medications often work best when paired with:
- Therapy
- Social support
- Healthy coping strategies like movement, nutrition, and mindfulness
FAQ's
What are Non-Benzodiazapenes?
What are Non-Benzodiazapenes?
These are medications that act like benzos but are used mainly for sleep:
- Lunesta® (eszopiclone)
- Sonata® (zaleplon)
- Ambien® (zolpidem)
They work on the same GABA system (that creates a calming effect) but are prescribed short-term to treat insomnia.
Are benzos safe when used as prescribed?
Are benzos safe when used as prescribed?
Yes, benzodiazepines can safely relieve anxiety, insomnia, or seizures when taken as prescribed. Risks increase when taken longer than recommended, at higher doses, or when mixed with alcohol or other drugs.
How can you protect yourself from unintended exposure to Rohypnol (Roofies)?
How can you protect yourself from unintended exposure to Rohypnol (Roofies)?
Some benzodiazepines, like Rohypnol (Roofies), can be slipped into drinks without smell or taste. To stay safe:
- Guard your drink — never leave it unattended.
- Don’t accept drinks you didn’t see poured.
- Avoid shared containers like punch bowls.
- Get help immediately if you think you or someone else drank something that was spiked with alcohol or other drugs.
How can you help if you suspect someone has been roofied?
How can you help if you suspect someone has been roofied?
If you think someone may have been given a drug like Rohypnol (“roofies”) without their knowledge:
- Make sure they’re safe. Stay with them and move to a secure place away from anyone who may have caused harm.
- Check their breathing and responsiveness. Call 911 right away if they’re struggling to stay awake, breathing slowly, or not responding.
- Encourage medical care. Even if they seem okay, these drugs can cause dangerous effects, especially if mixed with alcohol or other drugs. Going to a clinic or emergency room helps make sure someone is safe and gives them the option for medical care if sexual assault occurred.
- Offer comfort and support. Stay calm, help them drink water if they can, and avoid leaving them alone until they’re safe.
- Reach out for emotional support. If you or someone you know has been roofied or assaulted, you can call 988 for free, confidential help and mental health support.