Description

Benzodiazepines are a group of structurally related central nervous system depressant drugs that are widely prescribed due to their range of uses. Benzodiazepines act as a sedative and slow down the bodily functions. This reduces brain activity in the areas of the brain responsible for rational thought, memory, emotions and essential functions such as breathing.

Benzodiazepines have the potential to be abused both in high doses and in low therapeutic doses. Chronic abuse leads to blurred vision, confusion, slow reflexes, slurred speech and hypotension. Overdose and death are usually the results of the combination of benzodiazepines with other drugs or alcohol.