Dangers of Mixing Pain Medications and Benzodiazepines

Dangers of Mixing Pain Medications and Benzodiazepines

The dangers of mixing pain medications and benzodiazepines are genuine. Residents of San Antonio who are taking opioids in conjunction with benzodiazepines should be aware that they have an increased risk of overdose.

Benzodiazepines (or “benzos”) are painkillers advertised as an anti-anxiety medication and pain relief option. They can help calm and sedate those with anxiety and panic issues. They work by depressing the central nervous system and increasing the action of a neurotransmitter known as Gamma Amino Butyric Acid (GABA). Benzodiazepines are typically used to treat anxiety and other conditions, like insomnia. Common examples of benzodiazepines include Xanax, Klonopin, and Valium.

It is essential to understand that, like opioids, benzodiazepines can help with pain relief and do serve a medical purpose. However, as with opioids, patients and doctors still have to consider risk versus reward. Because prescription opioids and benzodiazepines both carry an FDA black box warning, it is imperative that a qualified physician makes any decisions about these drugs.

Why Are Benzodiazepines Dangerous?

If your body is used to the boost of a particular medication, safely altering your treatment plan requires medical guidance. An overwhelming percentage (about 30%) of opioid overdoses include a mixture or co-prescription of benzodiazepines, and since the early 2000s, these numbers seem to be on the rise.

Opioids can be dangerous on their own, but taking benzos and opiates together can render even more severe repercussions. Studies continue to find that the use of both benzos and opioids at the same time drastically increases your chances of health complications, including overdose and emergency room visits.

The real dangers of mixing pain medications and benzodiazepines are the way that they can induce symptoms like hypoxia (lack of oxygen to the brain) shortness of breath, cell death, and brain damage. All of these can culminate in organ failure, a coma, and even death.

Some users say that they take benzos alongside opioids to sustain peace of mind and minimize withdrawal symptoms between opioid uses. Sometimes, this can lead to alcohol abuse or other drug use. With help, some people can curb their abuse of drugs and painkiller prescriptions in time to avoid an overdose. Others, however, are not so lucky.  Approximately 20,000 people died of opioid overdoses in 2014. Out of these, 8,000 involved benzodiazepines.

If you take opioids and benzos together (or any other combination of painkiller medications), there are a few symptoms you’ll want to watch out for to avoid significant health issues and prevent an overdose:

• Drowsiness
• Dizziness
• Slowed heart rate
• Difficult walking/talking (outward drunken behavior)
• Unconsciousness
• Confusion

Who Should Avoid Benzodiazepines?

When using both opioids and benzodiazepines, precautions must be taken to avoid the risk of dependence on the drug and the dangers of an overdose. Of course, it is becoming increasingly clear that everyone should avoid doubling up on these drugs. However, there are a few demographics that are more susceptible to the complications and risks associated with benzodiazepine and opioid use. These include:

• Pregnant women
• Women who are currently breastfeeding
• Anyone with liver problems
• Those with a history of drug addiction or dependence
• Those with a history of alcohol abuse

Contact Dr. Martinez: Your Local Texas Pain Specialist

If you wish to discontinue a benzodiazepine prescription or change your medication in any way, remember that this process requires the care and knowledge of a physician. If you stop taking prescribed drugs without proper medical guidance, you might be putting your body at risk.

If you live in San Antonio and you have questions about pain medication and treatment options, Dr. Raul Martinez and his team are here to help. We offer a variety of treatment alternatives to painkillers for those seeking relief from pain and anxiety.

For more information about the dangers of mixing pain medications and benzodiazepines, the knowledgeable team at Texas Pain Specialists is here for you. Call or email us today to set up an appointment at any of our three locations across San Antonio.