Benzodiazepines

 

• 1Introduction to Benzodiazepines
  • 1.1Classification and Mechanism of Action
• 2Using Benzodiazepines
  • 2.1Routes of Administration:
  • 2.2Effects of Benzodiazepines
  • 2.3Combinations with Benzodiazepines
  • 2.4Different Uses for Benzodiazepines
• 3The dangers of Benzodiazepines
• 4Producing Benzodiazepines
• 5Forms of Benzodiazepines
  • 5.1Short-acting Benzodiazepines ( < 12 hr half-life):
  • 5.2Intermediate-acting Benzodiazepines (12-24 hr half-life):
  • 5.3Long-acting Benzodiazepines ( > 24 hr half-life):
• 6 Legal status of Benzodiazepines
  • 6.1United Nations
  • 6.2USA
  • 6.3United Kingdom
  • 6.4Canada
  • 6.5Australia
• 7History of Benzodiazepines
• 8More Benzodiazepine Sections
• 9The latest Benzodiazepine threads
• 10References

[top]Introduction to Benzodiazepines

BZDs have been used since the 1960s to treat anxiety, muscle spasms, insomnia, and seizures for their anxiolytic, hypnotic and anti-comvulsive properties. They're useful in treating hallucinogen-induced panic (i.e. bad trips). They largely replaced barbiturates because they're are shown to have much wider safety margins than barbiturates, thus safer. Traditionally they were considered to have a less potential for addiction and dependence, though this is less true in recent years.

Some common BZDs in North America are:
Alprazolam(Xanax)
Clonazepam(Klonopin)
Diazepam(Valium)
Lorazepam(Ativan)
Triazolam(Halcion)

Recreational use of BZDs is quite widespread. In 2007 1.8 million Americans aged 12 or older used tranquilizers non-medically (National Survey on Drug Use and Health 2007), and 6.5% of those using drugs recreationally for the first time started with tranquilizers.

In the UK it is estimated that approximately 200,000 people use BZDs recreationally (Ashton, 2000).

In Australia, 1.6% of the population had used tranquilizers recreationally in the last year, rising to almost 3% in the 20-29 years age group (2007 National Drug Strategy Household Survey).
In a survey of 15-16 years olds in 35 European countries the average lifetime use of tranquillizers without prescription was 4%. Use of tranquillizers or sedatives without prescription is most common in Poland (17 %), followed by Lithuania (14 %), France (13 %) and the Czech Republic (11 %). (ESPAD, 2003)

[top]Classification and Mechanism of Action

BZDs are sedative-hypnotic drugs that fall within the broad category of CNS depressants. The most common therapeutic use for them is in the treatment of anxiety disorders. Drugs that are used to relieve anxiety are termed anxiolytics. Benzodiazepines produce sedative, anxiolytic, muscle relaxant, anticonvulsant, and cognitive-impairing effects. [1] Benzodiazepines produce these effects because they act to inhibit the firing of neurons by enhancing the inhibitory effects of the amino acid neurotransmitter GABA (gamma-aminobutyric acid).

GABA is the primary inhibitory neurotransmitter. One of the ways that GABA reduces the chances that a neuron will fire is by binding to and opening chloride ion channels on the neuronal membrane. BZDs also bind to this ion channel, but do not open it. They bind to a different site on the ion channel and when they bind, GABA is more likely to stay on the ion channel and exert a greater effect. There are three types of GABA receptors, only two of which are ion channels and only one of those also bind BZDs. BZDs bind to the GABA receptor called the GABAA receptor.

Alcohol and barbiturates are other drugs that interact with and bind to GABA receptors. Benzodiazepines show many of the same effects as alcohol and barbiturates. Benzodiazepines may also show cross tolerance with alcohol and barbiturates. Combining benzodiazepines with alcohol and/or barbiturates is very dangerous due to the potential for respiratory depression and coma leading to death.

[top]Using Benzodiazepines

Benzodiazepines are an incredibly diverse chemical family. Though acting via similar mechanisms, the various BZDs have differing pharmacological profiles. See the individual sections on specific BZDs for more detailed information.

[top]Routes of Administration:

Benzodiazepines are mostly manufactured in pills, however they're also available as suppositories, IV injection(triazolam, flunitrazepam and diazepam emulsion). Midazolam HCl is inherently water soluble, however the others are made injectable through the use of co-solvents and/or emulsification.

When they're taken orally, they are absorbed through the gastrointestinal tract. When taken orally, they go through the liver before exerting action on the rest of the body. BZDs are extensively metabolized by the enzymes in the liver known as the Cytochrome P450 enzymes. These enzymes are involved in the first-pass metabolism of many drugs. When BZDs (and other drugs) are taken orally approximately 50% undergoes first-pass metabolism. This metabolism deactivates the drug and lessens it's effect.

Rectal Administration (Benzodiazepines rectally?) is another method of taking benzodiazepines. When benzodiazepines are taken rectally, only about 33% of the benzodiazepines undergo first-pass metabolism. Therefore, rectal administration has an increased effect over oral administration for the same amount of benzodiazepine.

Other known methods of administration completely bypass the gastrointestinal tract and avoid first-pass metabolism completely. Some of the other methods of administration of benzodiazepines include the following:
* Injection (Injecting Diazepam (or other benzo) Pills) Note: Injecting pills is extremely dangerous and should not be attempted. Pills contain fillers and binders which when injected can cause fatal embolisms. See this thread for more information on the dangers of injecting pills: Injecting Basics: Dangers of IVing pills
* Smoking (The Smoking Benzodiazepines Thread)
* Insufflation or Snorting (Everything SWIY Needs to Know About Snorting Benzodiazepines)

[top]Effects of Benzodiazepines

Therapeutic uses of benzodiazepines include treatment of anxiety, insomnia (by causing drowsiness), seizures (by increasing the seizure threshold), muscle spasms, and alcohol withdrawal.

(side)effects caused by BZDs may include drowsiness, dizziness, upset stomach, blurred vision, headache, confusion, depression, euphoria, impaired coordination, changes in heart rate, trembling, weakness, amnesia, grogginess, dreaming or nightmares, chest pain, vision changes, jaundice, and paradoxical reactions[2].
Benzodiazepines are relatively rapid acting and therefore can be used short-term, intermittently, and as needed. This rapid-acting property is useful in the treatment of anxiety which can vary in intensity and for the treatment of acute panic attacks.
Rapid cessation of use can not only result in a return of any treated symptoms, but a compensatory increase reaction resulting in greater than normal symptoms. Rapid cessation can also cause symptoms to appear in subjects who previously had no such symptoms. Some effects resulting from cessation of benzodiazepine use may include insomnia, convulsions and seizures, hyper activity, anxiety, and even delirium tremens in severe cases.
Benzodiazepines are commonly divided into three different groups depending on the length of the half-life (the time required for half of the drug to be metabolized to an inactive form). The short-acting benzodiazepines have half-lives of less than 12 hours. The intermediate-acting benzodiazepines have half-lives of 12 to 24 hours. While the longest lasting benzodiazepines have half lives over 24 hours. See the individual sections on the specific benzodiazepines for more information.
Due the the extremely long half-lives of some benzodiazepines (from several days to over a week), drug interactions must be more carefully considered. Therefore, the long-acting benzodiazepines have a greater associated risk. Taking flurazepam for instance and then drinking heavily even a couple of days later could cause potentially fatal interactions.

A drug named flumazenil is used to counter the effect of BZDs. It is used when excessive sedation is produced during a medical procedure. It is not effective on barbiturates, alcohol or general anesthesia.

[top]Combinations with Benzodiazepines

Combining benzodiazepines with other sedating drugs such as alcohol, marijuana, barbiturates, and opiates can cause life-threatening respiratory depression.
For more information on the dangers of combining other drugs with benzodiazepines, see the following threads:
Benzodiazepines and Alcohol and Stimulants
Warning: Benzos and Booze

Benzodiazepines are useful for treating panic and anxiety induced by psychedelics. Benzodiazepines are also useful for mitigating effects of stimulants (e.g. cocaine and amphetamines) and are often used to assist in coming off stimulants.

Like many drugs, the benzodiazepines are metabolized by the cytochrome P450 family of enzymes. Inhibiting the activity of these enzymes may lead to a greater amount of active benzodiazepine in the blood. Likewise, inducing these enzymes is likely to result in a lower than expected effect.
For more information on enzyme inhibition, see: Grapefruit Juice and Benzodiazepines

[top]Different Uses for Benzodiazepines

Benzodiazepines are typically prescribed for the treatment of anxiety, insomnia, seizures, muscle spasms, and alcohol withdrawal. Due to their usefulness as fast-acting anxiolytics and tranquilizers, benzodiazepines have found a place among recreational drug users to treat hallucinogen induced panic and anxiety (bad trips) and to assist in coming down from stimulants.
Benzodiazepines are used recreationally to induce relaxation. Benzodiazepines affect the body in a similar way as alcohol, therefore benzodiazepines are used to achieve a similar high. As sedative hypnotics, benzodiazepines have the potential for abuse and dependence.

[top]The dangers of Benzodiazepines

Rapid cessation of use can cause life-threatening conditions including convulsions, seizures, and delirium tremens. Benzodiazepines are addictive and can cause physical dependence.
When used by themselves benzodiazepines are relatively safe. Overdose of benzodiazepines alone rarely results in death, though concurrent use with other depressants (such as alcohol, barbiturates, and opiates) can be fatal.

[top]Producing Benzodiazepines

Chemical Synthesis of Benzodiazepines (Benzo synthesis and chemistry)
Extraction of Diazepam and Lorazepam from Potatoes and Wheat (Diazepam from Potatoes and Wheat)

[top]Forms of Benzodiazepines

This list is just a collection and is not inclusive of all benzodiazepines. There are many different benzodiazepines that have been synthesized, including many that deviate quite a bit from the benzodiazepine backbone structure.
Benzodiazepines are typically organized by half-life (the time required for half of the drug to be metabolized to an inactive form). Short-acting benzodiazepines have a half-life of less then 12 hours. Intermediate-acting benzodiazepines have a half-life between 12 and 24 hours. Long-acting benzodiazepines have half-lives greater than 24 hours.
Short half-lives mean that the drug is cleared from the body more quickly, effects don’t last as long. Longer half-lives mean that the drug lasts much longer in the body. For the long-acting benzodiazepines the dose may be lower and the frequency of doses is lower. Long-acting benzodiazepines allow patients to not be required to take as many pills in a given amount of time.

[top]Short-acting Benzodiazepines ( < 12 hr half-life):

Triazolam (Halcion) – 1.5 to 5.5 hrs
Midazolam – 1.8 to 6.4 hrs
Brotizolam – 4.4 hrs
Oxazepam – 4 to 14 hrs
Loprazolam (Triazulenone) – 6 to 12 hrs
Lormetazepam – 10 to 12 hrs
Alprazolam (Xanax) – 11.2 hrs

[top]Intermediate-acting Benzodiazepines (12-24 hr half-life):

Lorazepam (Ativan) – 9 to 16 hrs
Temazepam – 8 to 20 hrs
Estazolam – 10 to 24 hrs
Bromazepam – 12 to 20 hrs
Chlordiazepoxide (Librium) – 5 to 30 hrs
Clobazam – 18 hrs
Nimetazepam (Erimin) – 20 hrs
Flunitrazepam (Rohypnol) – 18 to 26 hrs

[top]Long-acting Benzodiazepines ( > 24 hr half-life):

Nitrazepam – 16 to 38 hrs
Clonazepam (Klonopin) – 18 to 50 hrs
Quazepam (Doral) – 39 hrs
Diazepam (Valium) – 20 to 100 hrs
Phenazepam – 60 hrs
Medazepam (Nobrium) – 36 to 150 hrs
Prazepam – 36 to 200 hrs
Flurazepam – 40 to 250 hrs
Clorazepate –48 hrs
Nordazepam (Nordiazepam, Desmethyldiazepam) – 50 to 120 hrs

[top] Legal status of Benzodiazepines

[top]United Nations

Most benzodiazepines are Schedule IV under The Convention of Psychotropic Substances 1971, but flunitrazepam (Rohypnol) is Schedule III due to its use in drug-facilitated sexual assault and drug-facilitated robbery.

[top]USA

Benzodiazepines are schedule IV in the United States, except for flunitrazepam (Rohypnol) which is schedule I in certain states: Idaho, Florida, Minnesota, New Hampshire, North Dakota, New Mexico, Oklahoma, and Pennsylvannia. In addition flunitrazepam is treated more severly under federal law, being a felony for first offense. The legal prejudice against flunitrazepam is likely due to its notoriety as a date-rape drug.

[top]United Kingdom

All benzodiazepines are Class C under the Misuse of Drugs Act in the United Kingdom, and require a prescription from a doctor to be obtained. Penalties for possession are up to 2 years in jail/unlimited fine or both. Penalties for illegal distribution are up to 14 years in jail/unlimited fine or both.[4]

[top]Canada

All benzodiazepines are Schedule IV under the Canadian Controlled Drugs and Substances Act.[5]

[top]Australia

In Australia both Federal and State governments have laws which regulate drugs. The Customs Act (federal) covers international trafficking and the importation and exportation of drugs. Although there are differences between States, every State also has specific laws and penalties in relation to drugs. If there are differences then state law supercedes federal law.
In all states benzodiazepines without a prescription from a doctor, or keeping, selling or giving benzodiazepines to someone else is illegal, and may result in a prison sentence, a fine or both.

[top]History of Benzodiazepines

The first benzodiazepine, chlordiazepoxide, was discovered during research on chemical dyes. Chlordiazepoxide was synthesized in 1954 by Leo Sternbach working at Hoffman-La Roche Pharmaceuticals. The chemical was forgotten for several years, but after some follow-up research was marketed in 1960 under the brand name Librium. Diazepam, brand name Valium, was released in 1963.
In the following years more benzodiazepines were discovered and marketed. The success of benzodiazepines could be attributed to the fact that they were considered safer and less habit-forming than barbiturates. Though the therapeutic index of benzodiazepines is higher than barbiturates, the addiction potential is now considered to be relatively equivalent.

[top]More Benzodiazepine Sections

Benzodiazepine Forum Post and read about Benzodiazepines.

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[top]The latest Benzodiazepine threads

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[top]References

1. http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/10816315
2. http://www.medscape.com/viewarticle/489358.
3. http://www.homehealth-uk.com/medical/professional_drugtests_benzodiazepines.htm
4. http://www.drugs-forum.com/forum/local_links.php?action=jump&catid=15&id=4964
5. http://www.drugs-forum.com/forum/loc...tid=15&id=6617