Taking Benzo Meds in combination with opioids significantly elevates the risk of a life-threatening overdose. This dangerous interaction is further amplified when these substances are mixed with other central nervous system depressants such as alcohol or xylazine. It’s crucial to understand the potentially fatal consequences of polysubstance use, especially involving benzo meds.
In 2021, alarming statistics revealed that nearly 14% of all opioid overdose deaths also involved benzodiazepines. Benzodiazepines, commonly referred to as “benzos” or benzo meds, are a class of prescription sedatives primarily used to treat anxiety and insomnia. These medications, including well-known brands like diazepam (Valium), alprazolam (Xanax), and clonazepam (Klonopin), work by increasing the levels of GABA, an inhibitory neurotransmitter, in the brain, resulting in a calming and sedative effect.
Compounding the danger, researchers have detected benzodiazepines within the illicit opioid supply in certain regions. This unsettling discovery suggests that individuals may be unknowingly consuming benzo meds in conjunction with illicit opioids, further escalating the risks associated with combined use.
The Perilous Practice of Co-Prescribing Opioids and Benzo Meds
Every day, approximately 220 lives are lost in America due to opioid overdoses. The concurrent use of opioids and benzo meds dramatically heightens the overdose risk because both drug types possess sedative properties and can suppress respiration – the primary cause of overdose fatalities. Furthermore, this combination impairs cognitive function, increasing the likelihood of accidents and poor decision-making. Studies have consistently demonstrated that individuals who combine opioids and benzodiazepines face a significantly elevated risk of emergency room visits, hospitalization for drug-related emergencies, and ultimately, death from drug overdose.
For instance, a comprehensive cohort study conducted in North Carolina revealed a stark reality: the overdose death rate among patients prescribed both opioids and benzo meds was ten times higher compared to those only receiving opioids. Similarly, research focusing on U.S. veterans with opioid prescriptions found a direct correlation between receiving a benzodiazepine prescription and an increased risk of drug overdose death, with the risk escalating with higher doses of benzodiazepines.
Recognizing these grave dangers, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has issued explicit guidance in its Clinical Practice Guideline for Prescribing Opioids for Pain. The CDC strongly advises clinicians to exercise extreme caution when considering prescribing benzodiazepines alongside opioids, emphasizing a careful evaluation of whether the benefits of such co-prescription unequivocally outweigh the potentially catastrophic risks. Adding to these warnings, both prescription opioids and benzodiazepines now carry U.S. Food and Drug Administration “boxed warnings” on their packaging. These boxed warnings, the FDA’s most stringent safety alerts, explicitly highlight the severe and potentially life-threatening dangers associated with the combined use of these drug classes.
It is paramount for individuals prescribed any medication to maintain transparency with their healthcare providers. Disclosing all substances and medications being used is crucial for informed decision-making. Open communication with healthcare teams is essential to navigate and mitigate the risks associated with combining medications like opioids and benzo meds, ensuring patient safety and preventing tragic outcomes.
