Benzodiazepinas

Las benzodiazepinas (también llamadas “benzos”) son una clase de agentes que actúan en el sistema nervioso central y se utilizan para una variedad de afecciones médicas.

Actúan sobre receptores específicos del cerebro, llamados receptores de ácido gamma-aminobutírico-A (GABA-A). Las benzodiazepinas se adhieren a estos receptores y hacen que los nervios del cerebro sean menos sensibles a la estimulación, lo que tiene un efecto calmante.

Las benzodiazepinas pueden usarse para tratar: abstinencia de alcohol, ansiedad, como relajante muscular, trastorno de pánico, convulsiones. Efectos secundarios comunes associated with benzodiazepines are: sedation, dizziness, weakness, and unsteadiness. Other side effects include: transient drowsiness commonly experienced during the first few days of treatment, a feeling of depression, loss of orientation, headache, sleep disturbance, confusion, irritability, aggression, excitement, and
memory impairment.

All benzodiazepines can cause physical dependence. Suddenly stopping thereapy after a few months of daily therapy may be associated with withdrawal symtoms, which include a feeling of loss of self-worth, agitation, and insomnia. If benzodiazepines are taken continuously for longer than a few months, stopping therapy suddenly may produce seizures, tremors, muscle cramping, vomiting, and sweating. In order to avoid withdrawal symptoms, the dose of benzodiazepines should be tapered slowly.