Rivotril is a benzodiazepine (benzo) prescription medication, but it can also be abused and cause serious side effects if taken in high doses. To understand the common and rare side effects of Rivotril, it’s essential to know what benzos are, which prescription medications are commonly abused, and how long-term abuse affects the body. Call 833.754.0554 to speak with someone from the knowledgeable and compassionate team at Women’s Recovery in Colorado about the long-term effects of Rivotril abuse or addiction. You can also check out our women’s guide to Rivotril abuse and addiction.
What Are Benzodiazepines?
Benzodiazepines are a class of drugs that targets the central nervous system (CNS) to calm the body.
Common Benzodiazepine Medications
Common benzodiazepine medications include:
- Ativan
- Dalmane
- Halcion
- Klonopin
- Librium
- Rivotril
- Temazepam
- Valium
- Xanax
They’ve been prescribed for decades to treat anxiety, seizures, insomnia, and muscle spasms. However, these drugs can be highly addictive and have dangerous consequences when abused.
What Is Rivotril?
Rivotril is a prescription drug used to treat anxiety disorders or seizures. The drug works by increasing the activity of GABA, a neurotransmitter that helps regulate nerve cell activity in the brain. It is available in tablet form or as an oral solution for those with difficulty swallowing pills.
What Are the Side Effects of Rivotril Abuse?
Rivotril abuse can cause several common and unpleasant side effects, such as:
- Blurred vision
- Changes in libido
- Constipation
- Depression
- Difficulty swallowing
- Dizziness
- Drowsiness
- Dry mouth
- Headaches
- Impaired judgment
- Increased sweating
- Loss of coordination
- Nausea and vomiting
- Rash or itching
- Slurred speech
In extreme cases, it can lead to coma or death due to overdoses or reactions to other drugs and alcohol consumption while taking this medication.
Rare Side Effects of Rivotril Abuse
In rare cases, Rivotril abuse can cause more severe side effects—such as:
- Chest pain
- Dark urine
- Decreased urination
- Extreme agitation and confusion
- Extreme tiredness
- Fever and chills
- Hallucinations
- Memory loss
- Paranoia
- Sore throat
- Stomach pain
- Suicidal thoughts or behavior
- Yellowing of skin or eyes
Severe allergic reactions may also occur, including hives and difficulty breathing on top of the face, lips, and tongue swelling. If you or a loved one experience these symptoms, you should contact your doctor immediately for medical attention.
Long-Term Effects of Rivotril Addiction
Long-term use of Rivotril can cause physical dependence and addiction even with therapeutic doses taken under medical supervision. Prolonged use can lead to tolerance, where users require increasingly higher doses over time to achieve desired results from taking this medication. This increases the risk of overdose. Additionally, long-term use can result in cognitive impairment and physical harm caused by impaired motor skills. Withdrawal symptoms associated with dependence may include tremors, muscle cramps, headaches, insomnia, irritability, restlessness, and fatigue.
What to Expect from Benzo Addiction Treatment
An effective benzo addiction treatment program will focus on safely managing withdrawal symptoms while helping clients gain insight into why they became addicted to prevent relapse into substance abuse. Treatment will typically involve detoxification followed by individual counseling sessions where clients address underlying addiction-related issues, such as psychological trauma or mental health conditions that may have contributed to the development of substance use disorders (SUDs). Medication-assisted treatment may also be used for individuals who require additional support during the recovery process. Additionally, group therapy sessions provide opportunities for peer support through sharing stories about their experiences living with addiction and offer valuable advice from peers who have successfully overcome the same challenges.
Find Benzo Addiction Treatment in Colorado at Women’s Recovery
If you or a loved one is a woman struggling with Rivotril abuse or addiction, we urge you to seek professional help from our knowledgeable and compassionate team. Contact Women’s Recovery today at 833.754.0554 to learn more about the common, rare, and long-term effects of Rivotril abuse or addiction. Ask about our substance abuse treatment programs for women in Colorado.
