Although benzodiazepines may bring temproary relief. all benzodiazepines are highly addictive and as the GABAa receptors are modified by the benzodiazepines, many symptoms emerge and the drug becomes less effective. A common side effect from taking Ativan, Alprazolam or Temazepam is anxiety, weakened muscles, disturbances in sleep patterns and increased depression. This seeks many to find help for benzodiazepines, such as Temazepam withdrawal, or for other benzodiazepines. They seek to regain their life, natural sleep patterns and to improve their health overall.
Why do I feel this anxiety?
All benzodiazepines initially increase GABA, but over time benzodiazepines downregulate GABA, otherwise known as the gamma aminobutyric acid, in your body. GABA is the great calming neurotransmitter and is needed in order to counter stimulating neurotransmitters. So when GABA is downregulated, as in this case with benzodiazepines, people produce excess norepinephrine, dopamine, and serotonin which is stimulating to the body.Ā GABA is the most prevalent neurotransmitter of the human body and the 'filter' to prevent over-excitation, so as GABA is downregulated anxiety, fear, muscle weakness, pain and insomnia increase.
This Creates a Growing Dependency.
- Taking the benzodiazepine eases symptoms initially. At first, patients notice a calming of their nervous system as GABA is increased. However, as GABA becomes downregulated symptoms increase, necessitating an increase in dose to have the same effect.
- Then Anxiety Increases. The chemicals in the body produced by the GABA neurotransmitters are out of balance which leads to increasing anxiety, pain, insomnia and other symptoms. Increasing dosage temporarily eases symptoms only to have them resurface again.Ā
- This Causes Users to Take More. As time goes on, patients continue to take more benzodiazepines in order to receive that initial relief. The body becomes more dependent to benzodiazepines and higher doses are needed to keep working. Eventually at any dose they are no longer effective.
- This creates a dependency, yet it may take time to realize its tolerance to the drug that is occurring. It is critical to taper any benzodiazepine slowly to allow the GABA receptors ample time to recover between reductions. Itās an ongoing cycle as users seek momentary relief from the benzodiazepines, only to find the body adjusting to it and the effects wearing off. So, they continue to add higher doses of the benzodiazepines or add another drug in futile attempt to calm the body.
Benzodiazepines such as Ativan, Alprazolam, Clonazepam, Klonopin, Diazepam, Valium or Temazepam are not a good choice, long-term, especially for anxiety or sleep issues, because they will always stop working.
IfĀ you have found yourself relying on benzodiazepines and canāt seem to escape them, donāt worry! There is hope.Ā
By turning to benzodiazepine professionals to assist you in Ativan withdrawal or other forms of withdrawal, you can find lasting success and relief from benzodiazepine dependence. At Point of Return we partner with you so you can taper off benzodiazepines safely and effectively. Our withdrawal programs are not only safe and more comfortable than attempting cold turkey, but you have a higher chance of success to help you overcome the struggles you're facing.Ā
Call us at 866-605-2333 or contact us to learn more about how we can help with your Ativan withdrawal, Alprazolam withdrawal, Temazepam withdrawal, or withdrawal from any other benzodiazepines.