LEARN MORE...

NUR 201 MHRSN Benzodiazepines Misuse and Cannabidiol Paper

Content type

User Generated

Subject

Nursing

School

Margaret H Rollins School of Nursing

Course

NUR 201

Type

Research Paper

Uploaded By

whymzhecul95

Pages

Showing Page:

1/9

Running head: MISUSE OF BENZODIAZEPINES

The over prescription and misuse of Benzodiazepines: Cannabidiol as an alternative treatment

Nursing 201

Nursing care of special populations

Julia Murphy

Margaret H. Rollins School of Nursing

November 5, 2018

Showing Page:

2/9

MISUSE OF BENZODIAZEPINES

The over prescription and misuse of Benzodiazepines: Cannabidiol as an alternative treatment

Benzodiazepines are the most commonly prescribed anti-anxiety drugs, used often as the

first line of treatment for anxiety disorders, seizure disorders, PTSD, and insomnia. When used

properly and as short-term therapy, these drugs are associated with little risk. However, when

taken inappropriately and combined with other drugs such as opioids or alcohol, these drugs can

cause deadly respiratory depression, coma, and death. An increase in prescriptions for

benzodiazepines are leading to a rise in overdose, drug dependence, and a need for rehabilitation

for addiction and withdrawal (Schmitz, 2016). Researchers and physicians have begun

addressing the need for better education with benzodiazepine use, in addition to experimenting

with alternative treatments for the disorders warranting a prescription. This paper will discuss the

negative effects of benzodiazepine misuse based upon inappropriate prescription, as well as the

increasing research showing pharmacological benefits of cannabidiol on anxiety and sleep

disorders.

Benzodiazepines are classified as anxiolytics and are indicated by the FDA for the

treatment of Generalized anxiety disorder, social phobia, panic disorders, insomnia, and seizures

(Kim & Weinstein, 2018). They function by enhancing the action of GABA, a neurotransmitter

that contributes to motor control and regulating anxiety (Schmitz, 2016). The Johns Hopkins

Psychiatry Guide lists some common side effects as confusion, dizziness, depression, and

sedation. (Kim & Weinstein). These side effects greatly increase the risk of falling for the

elderly, who make up a large population of those prescribed. According to Lembke, Papac, and

Humphreys (2018), Benzodiazepines are most effective when used as short-term treatment, not

Showing Page:

3/9

End of Preview - Want to read all 9 pages?

Access Now

Unformatted Attachment Preview

1 Running head: MISUSE OF BENZODIAZEPINES The over prescription and misuse of Benzodiazepines: Cannabidiol as an alternative treatment Nursing 201 Nursing care of special populations Julia Murphy Margaret H. Rollins School of Nursing November 5, 2018 2 MISUSE OF BENZODIAZEPINES The over prescription and misuse of Benzodiazepines: Cannabidiol as an alternative treatment Benzodiazepines are the most commonly prescribed anti-anxiety drugs, used often as the first line of treatment for anxiety disorders, seizure disorders, PTSD, and insomnia. When used properly and as short-term therapy, these drugs are associated with little risk. However, when taken inappropriately and combined with other drugs such as opioids or alcohol, these drugs can cause deadly respiratory depression, coma, and death. An increase in prescriptions for benzodiazepines are leading to a rise in overdose, drug dependence, and a need for rehabilitation for addiction and withdrawal (Schmitz, 2016). Researchers and physicians have begun addressing the need for better education with benzodiazepine use, in addition to experimenting with alternative treatments for the disorders warranting a prescription. This paper will discuss the negative effects of benzodiazepine misuse based upon inappropriate prescription, as well as the increasing research showing pharmacological benefits of cannabidiol on anxiety and sleep disorders. Benzodiazepines are classified as anxiolytics and are indicated by the FDA for the treat ...
Purchase document to see full attachment

Tags: benzodiazepines Benzodiazepines Misuse Cannabidiol anxiety disorders seizure disorders