Benzodiazepine Side Effects
Benzodiazepine side effects include long-term and short-term effects. Short-term effects can occur soon after taking benzodiazepines, whereas long-term effects occur with prolonged use of these drugs.
Short-term Use
Common side effects that occur soon after taking benzodiazepines are dizziness, lightheadedness, confusion, memory issues, lack of balance and coordination, sedation, appetite changes, nausea and vomiting, dry mouth, fatigue, weight gain and sexual dysfunction.
Long-term use
Long-term effects of benzodiazepines can be more serious. With ongoing use, a person may develop an addiction to benzos and experience withdrawal symptoms when drug use stops. People may also experience significant side effects, such as dangerously low blood pressure, seizures, movement disorders and suicidal thoughts.
When a person develops a dependence upon benzos from long-term use, withdrawal symptoms can include tremors, anxiety, panic attacks, vomiting, muscle pains, headache, heart palpitations, sleep disturbances and difficulties concentrating.