The benzodiazepines are a class of psychoactive drugs with varying hypnotic, sedative, anxiolytic, anticonvulsant, muscle relaxant and amnesic properties, which are mediated by slowing down the central nervous system. The drugs are useful in treating anxiety, insomnia, agitation, seizures, and muscle spasms, as well as alcohol withdrawal. Using of benzodiazepines in long term can cause physical dependence.
Types of Benzodiazepines are Diazepam (Valium) and Lorazepam (Ativan)
Effect of Substance:
Sleepiness and deep sleep, poor coordination, slurred speech, falling, poor thought processes, memory difficulty, weak comprehension, poor judgment, mood swings, constricted pupils, nystagmus, and tachypnea.
Effect of Withdrawal:
Anxiety, rage, insomnia, panic attacks, depression, night-mares, nausea, constipation, diarrhea, shaking, muscle pain, sweating, tachycardia, paresthesia, seizure, and death if combine with alcohol.
Treatment:
- Detoxification
- Drugs: antagonist fumezenil (Romazicon), slowly taper the abused benzodiazepine.
- Behavior therapy
- Psychotherapy
- Halfway houses
- Day or night hospitalization
- Twelve-step support group
Nursing Intervention:
- Maintain safety
- Monitor vital sign and neurologic status and notify physician if abnormal readings
- Monitor for alcohol abuse
- Monitor for dysrhythmias
- Encourage patient to express fears and anxiety, Provide a quiet environment
- Implement seizure precaution
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