Usage of Benzodiazepines Can Result in Loss of Muscle Tone

Westlake Village, CA Jan. 2011 Medications such as Xanax, Ativan and Valium are generally known to the public as prescribed to treat anxiety disorders. Although most users know that there is a likelihood of dependence and tolerance as well as side effects such as dizziness, anxiety, and drowsiness, the knowledge of risk of muscle tone loss is not as common. Please visit Benzodiazepine Addiction.

Benzodiazepines work by increasing the effects of GABA (gamma-Aminobutyric acid), which is a neurotransmitter produced by the central nervous system. This chemical inhibits the excitability of neurons in areas throughout the body, causing overall relaxation. The medicine is normally touted as a sleep aid or one used to calm the mind from the effects of anxiety or panic disorders, but the treatment also extends to the muscles. While the release of muscle tension is beneficial to reducing the level of anxiety, extensive usage of benzodiazepines cause muscles to atrophy and induces psychomotor retardation.

Patients that use benzodiazepine may initially experience some un-coordination as the body adjusts to the effects of the drug. Long-term use of this medicine, however, brings this symptom back on a larger scale. Due to the relaxing effects of the drug on the muscles, there is less ability for the muscles to contract and move, causing the user to lose tone and strength. In addition, the body has difficulty relaying signals through the body's neural pathways from the brain to limbs, and patients may find that seemingly mundane tasks such as dressing themselves become harder to achieve. Muscle weakening and loss of coordination combined with sleepiness and dizziness (other common side effects) leave many users unable to exercise, resulting in even more muscle loss.

For assistance with reducing use of these and other drugs, as well as information about returning to a balanced, healthy lifestyle, visit http://www.PointofReturn.org.

POINT OF RETURN, INC. is a 501(c)(3) non-profit, public benefit organization that was established to help individuals who seek their freedom from a dependence to Sleeping Pills, Anti-Anxiety Medication and Antidepressants. The team behind POINT OF RETURN encompasses an essential altruistic perspective that places others before self. In fact, our organization was formed to solve a problem no one else could.

Point of Return, Inc.
Alesandra Rain
2630 Townsgate Rd.
Westlake Village, CA 91361
866-605-2333
info@pointofreturn.org
http://www.PointofReturn.org

This release was published on openPR.