Benzodiazepine Drugs Linked To Alzheimer’s Disease

Benzodiazepine drugs, like Xanax and Valium are widely prescribed heavy-duty psychoactive drugs given to people who suffer with anxiety or insomnia.

Recent research, published in the British Medical Journal, concluded that benzodiazepines like Valium and Xanax, as well as other common prescription drugs, could increase your risk of Alzheimer’s symptoms by a whopping 84 per cent.

Risky business… for elderly patients

As if an 84 per cent increased risk of Alzheimer’s is not already enough reason to stop taking these drugs immediately, another study revealed that the older you are, your risk of getting a benzodiazepine prescription increases.

Nearly 30 per cent of benzodiazepine patients are now over the age of 65. There are twice as many elderly patients taking these drugs as those between the ages of 18-35. Here’s the worst part — the most common benzodiazepine users are 80-year-old women.

You can see where this is going, right?

Patients already at risk of memory loss or developing Alzheimer’s disease are given drugs that add significantly to that risk.

Apart from that, these drugs come with a laundry list of other troubling side effects including bladder control loss, seizures, unsteadiness on your feet — a dangerous combination of side effects for the elderly. In fact, medical experts have been warning doctors for years against prescribing benzodiazepines to elderly patients.

If there’s an elderly person you love whose memory has been slipping… or whose steps have gotten a little wobbly… or who has suddenly developed bladder problems… it might not be the ageing process.

If you’re already taking a benzodiazepine it’s time to look at alternatives… At the very least speak to your doctor about safer ways to manage your symptoms of anxiety and insomnia.

If you do decide to drop the benzos, just don’t try to do it on your own. Benzodiazepines are addictive and quitting can come with its own set of side effects. A doctor skilled in naturopathic or integrative medicine can help you quit safely.

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Disclaimer: Bear in mind the material contained in this article is provided for information purposes only. We are not addressing anyone’s personal situation. Please consult with your own physician before acting on any recommendations contained herein.

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Sources:

Benzodiazepine Use in the United States, archpsyc.jamanetwork.com