You can find here the most common effects of benzos. Despite the large variety of benzos, their effects are comparatively similar. Where they diverge is in the timing, duration and intensity of these effects. This list is not definitive, nor exhaustive; you may not experience all these effects every time you consume benzos, and your friends around you may have a vastly different experience, possibly experiencing effects not listed here. Remember, the likelihood of experiencing negative effects is much greater at high doses.

The effects are (from positive to negative): ^{2 3}

Paradoxical symptoms sometimes occur, possibly due to acute withdrawal syndrome. They are more commonly seen with short-acting drugs whose action wears off rapidly:

• Irritability
• Anxiety
• Aggression
• Increase in risk-taking behaviour
• Increase in sexual arousal
• Insomnia
• Hallucinations

Sometimes we take too much, here’s what you can expect to happen when overdosing, both internally and externally so that you might detect the signs of an overdose in others ⁵.

• Blurred vision
• Slurred speech
• Lack of coordination and shuffling walk
• Irregular heartbeat
• Difficulty breathing and swallowing
• Memory loss
• Loss of consciousness

How? How Much? When? For how Long?

These are important considerations. The way you consume benzos can vastly impact the experience. The same applies to the dose taken, the effects of which will vary depending on many factors such as your weight, gender, metabolism, and tolerance from previous use.

Read our section on dosing for more information.

How you take benzos matters...

Orally

Due to their origin in the medical setting, benzos typically come in tablet form. Taking tablets orally is our recommended method for minimal harm. These can be swallowed, but also chewed or dissolved under the tongue for faster absorption though their taste is unpleasant. Most tablets can easily be split in half to control dosage. Most benzos have a short onset of action when swallowed.

Snorting benzos

Snorting benzos does not seem to produce a stronger or faster high. Although evidence is limited, it is thought that benzos are not readily absorbed through the nasal cavity due to their water insoluble nature. The effects of the drug would mostly come from unabsorbed residue dripping into the throat. Snorting benzos carries the risk of nasal damage in the long-term and is reported to be very unpleasant.

Intravenous/intramuscular benzo injection

Injecting puts you at risk of HIV and other blood-borne infections such as hepatitis C, as well as collapsed veins, bruising, and other unsavoury side-effects such as sooting. Many of these risks can be mitigated by always using single-use clean needles and rotating injection sites. Benzos are especially irritating and cause tissue damage, occlude veins and might lead to need for amputation⁶.

How much benzos?

As discussed above, potency is where benzos differ, affecting the dose ranges and time course, with effects remaining fairly similar when taking comparable doses. As an example, the tables below show comparable light, common, and strong oral doses for four common benzos. For the endless other benzos that exist, this handy calculator allows you to make dose conversions.

When do the effects of benzos kick in?

The START time below is when you will usually begin to feel the effects of benzos from the time when you first take it. DURATION is roughly the length of time you will experience the effects, after which the effects will start to wear off and you might start to feel the comedown effects.

Different benzos have different start time and duration which will depend on the dose, the individual and the contents of their stomach. If taken orally without being on an empty stomach the onset can be delayed, the effects slightly prolonged but also slightly diminished.

If there’s one thing that can really be dangerous, it’s mixing drugs. We’ve compiled here the safety profiles of various mixes with benzos (legal and illegal) but don’t swear by them. As with all matters drug-related, everyone is different, and you can very easily experience an unexpected adverse reaction.

¹ Dassanayake, T., Michie, P., Carter, G. and Jones, A. (2011). Effects of Benzodiazepines, Antidepressants and Opioids on Driving. Drug Safety, 34(2), pp.125-156. DOI: 10.2165/11539050-000000000-00000.

² Canada, H. (2018). Benzodiazepines - Canada.ca.

³ Benzo.org.uk. (2012). Benzodiazepines: How They Work & How to Withdraw.

⁴ Cooper, S. (1989). Benzodiazepines and appetite: Recent pre-clinical advances and their clinical implications. Human Psychopharmacology: Clinical and Experimental, 4(2), pp.81-89. DOI: 10.1002/hup.470040203.

⁵ Hojer, J., Baehrendtz, S. and Gustafsson, L. (1989). Benzodiazepine poisoning: experience of 702 admissions to an intensive care unit during a 14-year period. Journal of Internal Medicine, 226(2), pp.117-122. DOI: 10.1111/j.1365-2796.1989.tb01365.x.

⁶ Partanen, T., Vikatmaa, P., Tukiainen, E., Lepäntalo, M. and Vuola, J. (2009). Outcome after Injections of Crushed Tablets in Intravenous Drug Abusers in the Helsinki University Central Hospital. European Journal of Vascular and Endovascular Surgery, 37(6), pp.704-711. DOI: doi.org/10.1016/j.ejvs.2009.01.016.

⁷ Starcevic, B. and Sicaja, M. (2007). Dual intoxication with diazepam and amphetamine: This drug interaction probably potentiates myocardial ischemia. Medical Hypotheses, 69(2), pp.377-380. DOI: 10.1016/j.mehy.2006.12.033.

⁸ Mattila, M.J. and Nuotto E. (1983). Caffeine and theophylline counteract diazepam effects in man. Medical Biology, 61(6), pp.337-43.

⁹ Emmanouil, D. and Quock, R. (2007). Advances in Understanding the Actions of Nitrous Oxide. Anesthesia Progress, 54(1), pp.9-18. DOI: 10.2344/0003-3006(2007)54[9:AIUTAO]2.0.CO;2.

¹⁰ Jones, J., Mogali, S. and Comer, S. (2012). Polydrug abuse: A review of opioid and benzodiazepine combination use. Drug and Alcohol Dependence, 125(1-2), pp.8-18. DOI: 10.1016/j.drugalcdep.2012.07.004.

¹¹ Kroboth P.D., Smith R.B., Stoehr G.P. and Juhl R.P. (1985). Pharmacodynamic evaluation of the benzodiazepine-oral contraceptive interaction. Clinical pharmacology and therapeutics, 38(5), pp.525-32.

¹² D'Arcy P.F. (1986). Drug interactions with oral contraceptives. Drug Intelligence & Clinical Pharmacology, 20(5), pp.353-62.

¹³ Starcevic, B. and Sicaja, M. (2007). Dual intoxication with diazepam and amphetamine: This drug interaction probably potentiates myocardial ischemia. Medical Hypotheses, 69(2), pp.377-380. DOI: 10.1016/j.mehy.2006.12.033.

¹⁴ Parle, M. and Dhingra, D. (2003). Ascorbic Acid: a Promising Memory-Enhancer in Mice. Journal of Pharmacological Sciences, 93(2), pp.129-135. DOI: 10.1254/jphs.93.129.

¹⁵ Partanen, T., Vikatmaa, P., Tukiainen, E., Lepäntalo, M. and Vuola, J. (2009). Outcome after Injections of Crushed Tablets in Intravenous Drug Abusers in the Helsinki University Central Hospital. European Journal of Vascular and Endovascular Surgery, 37(6), pp.704-711. DOI: 10.1016/j.ejvs.2009.01.016.

¹⁶ Chen, J.P., Barron, C., Lin, K.M., and Chung, H. (2002). Prescribing medication for Asians with mental disorders. Western Journal of Medicine, 176(4), pp.271--275.

¹⁷ Volkow, N.D., Wang, G.J., Fowler, J.S., Hitzemann, R., Gatley, S.J., Dewey, S.S., Pappas, N. (1998). Enhanced sensitivity to benzodiazepines in active cocaine-abusing subjects: a PET study. American Journal of Psychiatry, 155(2), pp.200-6.

¹⁸ Verster, J. and Volkerts, E. (2006). Clinical Pharmacology, Clinical Efficacy, and Behavioral Toxicity of Alprazolam: A Review of the Literature. CNS Drug Reviews, 10(1), pp.45-76. DOI: 10.1111/j.1527-3458.2004.tb00003.x.

¹⁹ Haque, W., Watson, D.J., Bryant, S.G. (1990). Death following suspected alprazolam withdrawal seizures: a case report. Texas Medicine, 86(1), pp.44-7.

²⁰ Barker, M., Greenwood, K., Jackson, M. and Crowe, S. (2004). Cognitive Effects of Long-Term Benzodiazepine Use. CNS Drugs, 18(1), pp.37-48. DOI: 10.2165/00023210-200418010-00004.

²¹ Takada, M., Fujimoto, M. and Hosomi, K. (2016). Association between Benzodiazepine Use and Dementia: Data Mining of Different Medical Databases. International Journal of Medical Sciences, 13(11), pp.825-834. DOI: 10.7150/ijms.16185.

²² Harnod, T., Wang, Y. and Kao, C. (2015). Association Between Benzodiazepine Use and Epilepsy Occurrence. Medicine, 94(37), p.e1571. DOI: 10.1097/md.0000000000001571.

²³ Riss, J., Cloyd, J., Gates, J. and Collins, S. (2008). Benzodiazepines in epilepsy: pharmacology and pharmacokinetics. Acta Neurologica Scandinavica, 118(2), pp.69-86. DOI: 10.1111/j.1600-0404.2008.01004.x.

²⁴ Kadoi, C., Hayasaka, S., Tsukamoto, E., Matsumoto, M., Hayasaka, Y. and Nagaki, Y. (2000). Bilateral Angle Closure Glaucoma and Visual Loss Precipitated by Antidepressant and Antianxiety Agents in a Patient with Depression. Ophthalmologica, 214(5), pp.360-361. DOI: 10.1159/000027521.

²⁵ Begleiter, H. and Kissin, B. (1996). The Pharmacology of Alcohol and Alcohol Dependence. New York: Oxford University Press, p.128.

²⁶ Ramsey-Williams, V., Wu, Y. and Rosenberg, H. (1994). Comparison of anticonvulsant tolerance, crosstolerance, and benzodiazepine receptor binding following chronic treatment with diazepam or midazolam. Pharmacology Biochemistry and Behavior, 48(3), pp.765-772. DOI: 10.1016/0091-3057(94)90344-1.

²⁷ Høiseth, G., Andås, H., Bachs, L. and Mørland, J. (2014). Impairment due to amphetamines and benzodiazepines, alone and in combination. Drug and Alcohol Dependence, 145, pp.174-179. DOI: 10.1016/j.drugalcdep.2014.10.013.

There are certain precautions you should take before doing benzos. The advice below helps you to be physically and mentally prepared before doing it. Furthermore, we want you to be safe, and just in case you have a bad experience or some of the unwanted side effects associated with DRUG, we have also provided information on how to take care of yourself when you are in full swing. Finally, there are those uncomfortable or undesirable effects after the high have worn out, we will provide you with some practical tips on how to have a better calm down and help you to reduce the harm done to your body and brain.

Head over to our ME section if you would like to know more about harm reduction.

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Sometimes the drugs we think we are buying turn out to be something very different. Knowing the common substitutes and adulterants is an easy way to protect yourself and your friends.

As benzos are prescription drugs in many countries, most of what is sold originates from pharmaceutical companies and is subsequently diverted to the black market. Unfortunately, high demand has generated illegal unregulated production. This means that dosage cannot be certain and harmful contaminants or cutting agents can be present.

Fentanyl has been found in counterfeit Xanax pills which were the cause of several deaths in the UK. Fentanyl is an extremely strong opioid and its combination with benzos can be fatal due to an enhanced depressant effect of each drug. See the harm reduction box for more information.

‘Etizolam’ has also been sold as a substitute for Xanax. Etizolam is a benzodiazepine analogue, whose effects are similar to benzos. It is not a regulated substance like other benzos and its effects on humans are not fully known.

Depression

Benzos are primarily used for anxiety, which usually co-occurs with depression. However, benzos do NOT have antidepressant effects with the possible exception of alprazolam ¹⁸. On the contrary, benzos might exacerbate depression and cause suicidal behaviour and ideation as they depress the central nervous system.

Dependence

The occasional use of benzos has a relatively low risk of harm. However, when used longer than 3-4 weeks, dependence is likely to develop and stopping the drug suddenly causes withdrawal symptoms. Therefore, it is best not to take benzos for more than 1-2 weeks.

Unlike many other recreational drugs, craving is not a major problem while withdrawing from benzos. It is the physical and psychological symptoms which makes it difficult. Symptoms may take up to 3 weeks to become apparent.

Withdrawal symptoms include anxiety-related symptoms such as panic attacks, insomnia, irritability, aggression, palpitations, nausea, depression and muscle pain.

Other signs include:

• Tremor
• Hypersensitivity to senses
• Abnormal body sensations like pins and needles, tinnitus, metallic taste etc.
• Hallucinations, paranoia, delirium
• Derealisation and depersonalisation

In severe cases, sudden discontinuation can lead to life-threatening seizures or death ¹⁹.

Therefore, benzos should never be stopped suddenly. Instead, the dose should be reduced gradually, ideally with a doctor’s supervision.

Gradual dose reduction does not eliminate the withdrawal symptoms. Anxiety management and psychological support is equally important.

A helpful guide about how to withdraw from benzos can be found here.

In the long-term...

Long-term use, even at therapeutic doses, has been shown to cause cognitive impairment, affecting learning, memory and attention and may persist longer than the physical withdrawal symptoms ²⁰.

There is some evidence suggesting that long-term use may increase the risk of dementia ²¹. However, the evidence is inconclusive.

Dangerous Conditions

Epilepsy

Benzos are first-line treatment for status epilepticus. An increased tolerance due to recreational use can be dangerous in a state of emergency when benzos are needed to control the seizures. Additionally, a history of prolonged use, multiple exposure, and high-dose benzos consumption increases the risk of epilepsy ²². Withdrawal from benzos can also trigger seizures ²³.

Depression

Benzos can exacerbate depression and cause suicidal behaviour and ideation because they depress the central nervous system.

Acute angle-closure glaucoma

Benzos can increase the intraocular pressure and can precipitate angle closure-glaucoma in susceptible eyes ²⁴.

In almost all countries benzos are controlled medicines, meaning they can only be legally obtained by prescription from a medical doctor and recreational use is illegal. A rare few countries such as India and Cambodia sell benzos over the counter. Some online pharmacies sell and ship benzos to all countries regardless of their legal status, however you would be risking a criminal offence.

Europe

• UK: Illegal
• Germany: Illegal – small quantities for personal use is not prosecuted, other possibilities such as treatment is afforded instead
• France: Illegal
• Netherlands: Illegal
• Spain: Decriminalised
• Russia: Illegal

America

• USA: Illegal
• Canada: Illegal
• Mexico: Illegal

Asia

• Hong-Kong: Illegal
• Singapore: Illegal
• Israel: Illegal

Africa

• South Africa: Illegal

Australia

• New Zealand: Illegal
• Australia: Illegal

FAQs

Benzos are used in medicine; does it mean they are safe?

Benzos are medically approved drugs, primarily used to treat anxiety and insomnia. However, outside of these indications and without the supervision of a medical professional, a multitude of things can go wrong. Benzos have good safety profiles but remain very addictive, and can be very harmful when mixed with other drugs.

Do benzos have a cross tolerance with alcohol?

Cross tolerance between alcohol and benzos is generally assumed but not well documented in humans (25). The evidence is clear in animal studies. Even though alcohol and benzos act on different sites on GABA receptors, they still act on the same receptor. Theoretically, up or down regulation of the receptor due to any drug use will affect the response to both drugs.

Is there cross tolerance between benzos?

Yes, all benzos have cross-tolerance, meaning that taking one will after your tolerance of others ²⁶.

Will taking benzos help me to come down from stimulants?

Just like having a coffee after alcohol does not make you anymore sober, benzos only mask the effects of stimulants, they do not counteract them. While this might give you a false sense of sobriety, it has been shown that mixing benzos and stimulants affected driving ability more strongly than either alone ²⁷.

Does taking benzos with psychedelics reduce the risk of having bad trips?

Anecdotal reports suggest that taking a low dose of benzos before a psychedelic trip lessens the chances of experiencing a bad trip. This does however impair their ability to remember the trip. Benzos are also commonly used to alleviate an ongoing bad trip.

Useful links

The erowid forum has an extensive curation of reported experiences from users spanning a large variety of topics including bad experiences and mixing with other drugs. Check it out here.