Herbie Murray
Combining benzodiazepines (benzos) with opioid painkillers and sleeping pills can be life-threatening. Benzodiazepines are strong sedatives that are often prescribed to treat anxiety and sleep problems. Opioids are powerful painkillers derived from the poppy plant. Both drugs can be addictive and can lead to dependence and an overdose. Taking them together increases the risk of side effects and overdose, as they both slow down the central nervous system, causing slow breathing, which is the main cause of death in people who overdose on these drugs.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Risk of overdose | High |
| Side effects | Dizziness, weakness, confusion |
| Addictive | Yes |
| Prescription combination | Increasing |
| Preventative measures | Avoid combining, use alternative treatments, consult a doctor |
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What You'll Learn
The dangers of combining opioids and benzos
Opioids and benzodiazepines, or "benzos", are two powerful types of drugs that can be extremely dangerous when combined. Opioids are strong painkillers derived from the poppy plant, while benzos are sedatives that are often prescribed to treat anxiety, muscle spasms, sleep problems, and seizures. Both drugs can be highly addictive and can lead to dependence and overdose if misused.
Combining opioids and benzos can significantly increase the risk of side effects and overdose. This is because both drugs slow down the central nervous system, causing a calming and sleepy effect. However, this can also lead to dangerous side effects such as dizziness, weakness, and confusion. Additionally, opioids slow down breathing and heart rate, and taking benzos with opioids can slow breathing even further. Slow breathing is the main cause of death in people who overdose on these drugs, making the combination of opioids and benzos particularly deadly.
Research has shown that the concurrent use of opioids and benzos is on the rise, with an increasing number of people being prescribed both drugs. This trend is concerning, as it heightens the risk of overdose and adverse events. In fact, a study found that the overdose death rate among patients taking both opioids and benzos was ten times higher than among those only taking opioids. Furthermore, even low doses of these two drugs can be risky when combined, and the risk of overdose increases when more than one doctor prescribes these medications.
To mitigate the risks associated with combining opioids and benzos, it is crucial to seek alternative treatments whenever possible. There are many non-opioid pain relief methods available, including prescription and over-the-counter pain relievers such as acetaminophen, ibuprofen, and naproxen sodium. Additionally, good sleep hygiene practices, such as maintaining a consistent sleep schedule and creating a comfortable sleep environment, can help address sleep problems without the need for medication. If opioids and benzos are deemed necessary, it is important to use them for the shortest duration and at the lowest dose possible, and to avoid alcohol and other sedating drugs that can intensify their effects.
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Side effects of mixing benzos and painkillers
Mixing benzos and painkillers can lead to several side effects, with the combination being potentially dangerous. Both opioids and benzodiazepines slow down the central nervous system, which causes the feeling of calmness and sleepiness. However, this can also lead to dizziness, weakness, and confusion. Opioids slow down breathing and heart rate, and taking them with benzos further slows down breathing, increasing the risk of fatality in case of an overdose.
Research shows that people who use opioids and benzodiazepines together are at a higher risk of visiting the emergency department, being admitted to a hospital for a drug-related emergency, and dying of a drug overdose. In 2020, 16% of overdose deaths involving opioids also involved benzodiazepines, with more than 30% of opioid overdose deaths involving benzos. Even low doses of these drugs in combination can be risky.
Benzos and opioids are addictive, and taking them together increases the chance of becoming dependent on them. They can also lead to impairments in cognitive functioning and brain damage. Withdrawal from benzos can be dangerous, and it is recommended to consult a doctor to slowly taper off the medication.
To avoid side effects, it is best to avoid combining opioids and benzos. There are alternative treatments for managing symptoms, including non-opioid pain relief methods and sleep hygiene practices. Doctors should carefully consider whether the benefits of prescribing both medications outweigh the risks.
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The addictive nature of opioids and benzos
Opioids are powerful painkillers derived from the poppy plant. They work by blocking pain signals between the brain and body. Oxycodone, found in prescription drugs like Percocet and OxyContin, is an example of an opioid. Doctors write millions of prescriptions for opioids every year.
Benzodiazepines, or "benzos", are strong sedatives that are often prescribed for anxiety, muscle spasms, sleep problems, and seizures. They work by increasing the level of GABA (gamma aminobutyric acid), a chemical that calms the brain. Common benzodiazepines include diazepam (Valium), alprazolam (Xanax), and clonazepam (Klonopin). Like opioids, benzos are also frequently prescribed, with the number of prescriptions dispensed to adults increasing by 67% between 1996 and 2013.
Both opioids and benzos can be highly addictive and can lead to physical dependence. People who have been taking these medications for a long time may experience withdrawal symptoms such as increased tension and anxiety, panic attacks, hand tremors, muscle aches, nausea, vomiting, and a fast heartbeat. Combining the two medications can increase the risk of side effects and overdose. This is because both drugs slow down the central nervous system, causing a calming and sleepy effect. However, this same effect can lead to dangerous side effects such as dizziness, weakness, confusion, and slowed breathing. Slowed breathing is the main cause of death in people who overdose on opioids. Taking benzos with opioids further slows breathing, increasing the risk of fatality.
Research has shown that nearly 1 in 3 people who use benzos also take opioids. One study found that concurrent sleeping pill and opioid prescribing increased by 80% between 2001 and 2013. Another study among U.S. veterans with an opioid prescription found that receiving a benzodiazepine prescription was associated with an increased risk of drug overdose death. Despite the known risks of combining these medications, the concurrent prescription of opioids and benzos has been increasing over time. This highlights the importance of education and training programs for healthcare professionals to mitigate the risks associated with opioid and benzo prescriptions.
To reduce the risk of side effects and overdose, it is recommended to avoid combining opioids and benzos. If both medications are deemed necessary, they should be used for the shortest duration and at the lowest dose possible. It is also important to avoid alcohol and other sedating drugs when taking opioids and benzos, as these can intensify their effects.
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The overdose risk of combining opioids and sleeping pills
Combining opioids and sleeping pills can be extremely dangerous and increases the risk of overdose. Opioids are powerful painkillers that work by blocking pain signals between the brain and the body. They slow breathing and heart rate, and slow breathing is the main cause of death in people who overdose on these drugs. Sleeping pills, including benzodiazepines (benzos), are strong sedatives that are prescribed for anxiety or sleep problems. They act on the central nervous system to slow down the body's functions.
Taking sleeping pills and opioids together slows breathing and heart rate even more, increasing the risk of overdose and death. A study by Stanford researchers found that nearly 30% of fatal opioid overdoses in the United States also involved benzodiazepines. Another study involving over 300,000 privately insured people aged 18 to 64 who were prescribed an opioid and a benzodiazepine found that concurrent sleeping pill and opioid prescribing increased by 80% between 2001 and 2013. The risk of overdose is further heightened when more than one doctor prescribes these drugs.
Benzodiazepines alone have accounted for nearly one in seven overdose deaths, often when combined with opioid drugs. Mixing opioids and benzodiazepines heightens the chances of side effects and overdose. This combination of drugs can cause side effects such as dizziness, weakness, and confusion. Even low doses of these two drugs can be risky when combined. The best way to prevent side effects and overdose is to avoid combining opioids and benzodiazepines. There are many non-opioid pain relief methods and safer ways to manage symptoms.
It is important to seek medical help if you or someone you know is combining opioids and sleeping pills. Doctors can help manage the combination of symptoms and slowly taper off the medications to reduce the risk of withdrawal symptoms.
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Safer alternatives to combining benzos, painkillers, and sleeping pills
Combining benzodiazepines (benzos) with opioid painkillers and sleeping pills can be dangerous and even life-threatening. According to a Stanford study, taking strong prescription painkillers together with sleeping pills is associated with a greater risk of overdose. Therefore, it is crucial to explore safer alternatives to these medications when treating conditions like anxiety, insomnia, and pain. Here are some safer options:
Safer Alternatives to Benzos:
- Antidepressants: SSRIs (selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors) are commonly used as antidepressants but can also be prescribed to manage anxiety. They are considered safer than benzos as they are not fast-acting and are therefore non-addictive.
- Beta-blockers: These medications can be effective in reducing the physical symptoms of anxiety, such as increased heart rate and panic attacks. Unlike benzos, they are not considered habit-forming. However, they do not address the underlying psychological aspects of anxiety disorders.
- BusPar: This is another medication specifically indicated for anxiety treatment, carrying fewer risks than benzos.
- CBT (Cognitive Behavioral Therapy): This form of behavioral therapy can help address the underlying issues that cause anxiety and even some sleep issues. It can be a long-term treatment option, and it can be done with or without the use of medications.
Safer Pain Management Alternatives:
- Non-opioid painkillers: Non-opioid alternatives, such as non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), can be used to manage mild to moderate pain without the same risks associated with opioids.
- Medical marijuana: While this option may not be suitable for everyone, low doses of THC, particularly edible Indica, have been found to provide effective pain relief. It is important to consult a doctor and purchase products from reputable manufacturers.
Safer Sleep Aids:
- Melatonin: This is a natural hormone that can help regulate sleep-wake cycles and improve sleep quality. It is available over the counter and is generally considered safe for short-term use.
- Prescription sleep aids: While these medications can be effective, they may come with side effects. It is important to consult a doctor to weigh the benefits against the risks.
- Edible cannabis: Similar to the benefits seen with THC for pain management, low doses of THC, particularly edible Indica, have been found to provide restorative sleep, improving REM and deep sleep durations. Again, it is important to consult a healthcare professional and be aware of potential risks, such as increased heart rate.
Remember, it is always advisable to consult a healthcare professional before starting any new medication or treatment. They can help determine the most suitable and safest approach for your specific needs and conditions.
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Frequently asked questions
Yes, it is dangerous to combine benzos, pain killers, and sleeping pills. Benzodiazepines (benzos) are strong sedatives that are often prescribed for anxiety or sleep problems. Opioids are powerful painkillers derived from the poppy plant. Mixing these medications increases your risk of side effects and overdose.
Combining benzos and opioids can cause side effects such as dizziness, weakness, and confusion. This is because both drugs slow down the central nervous system, causing a calm and sleepy effect.
Although doctors may prescribe both medications, it is important to be aware of the risks and only take them if the benefits outweigh these risks. It is recommended to use one drug or the other or explore alternative treatments. Always consult your doctor before taking any medications.
There are several non-opioid pain relief methods, including prescription and over-the-counter medications like acetaminophen, ibuprofen, and naproxen sodium. For sleep issues, you can try sleep hygiene practices such as maintaining a consistent sleep schedule and creating a comfortable and dark bedroom environment.
