Is it safe to drive while taking benzodiazepines? Is it legal? Can benzos impair one’s ability to drive a motor vehicle? If so, which type of benzo has the greatest effect? We will provide some research, stories, and a few answers.

In today’s episode, we look at driving and benzodiazepine use. We also hear a benzo story of success, talk about benzo belly and stomach distension, learn about a few upcoming events, and close out with our moment of peace. I hope you will join us.

https://www.easinganxiety.com/post/driving-on-benzos-is-it-safe-is-it-legal-bfp079

Video ID: BFP079

Chapters

00:00 Introduction

04:45 Benzo News

06:47 Mailbag

11:32 Benzo Story

17:55 FEATURE: Driving and Benzos

32:54 Moment of Peace

Resources

The following resource links are provided as a courtesy to our listeners. They do not constitute an endorsement by Easing Anxiety of the resource or any recommendations or advice provided therein.

BENZO NEWS

• Dr. Paul Christo Interviews w/ Carrie Silvernail and Dr. Steven Wright
• Part 1— https://paulchristomd.com/benzodiazepine-withdrawal-syndrome-part-i
• Part 2 – https://paulchristomd.com/benzodiazepine-withdrawal-syndrome-part-ii
• “Medicating Normal” Screening and Panel (April 27th) — https://medicatingnormal.com/

MAILBAG

• Benzo Free Podcast: Episode 11 (Benzo Belly) — https://www.easinganxiety.com/post/benzo-belly-our-gut-in-withdrawal-bfp011

FEATURE: Driving and Benzos

• “5 Reasons Driving on Benzos is Just a Bad Idea.” American Addiction Centers. March 2, 2021. https://drugabuse.com/blog/5-reasons-driving-on-benzos-is-just-a-bad-idea/.
• Angst, Maggie. “Former San Jose council candidate pleads no contest in crash that killed a 66-year-old pedestrian.” Mercury News. April 21, 2021. https://www.mercurynews.com/2021/04/21/former-san-jose-council-candidate-pleads-in-crash-that-killed-a-66-year-old-man.
• Barbone F, McMahon AD, Davey PG, Morris AD, Reid IC, McDevitt DG, MacDonald TM. “Association of road-traffic accidents with benzodiazepine use.” Lancet. 1998 Oct 24;352(9137):1331-6. doi: 10.1016/s0140-6736(98)04087-2. PMID: 9802269. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/9802269/.
• Dassanayake T, Michie P, Carter G, Jones A. “Effects of benzodiazepines, antidepressants and opioids on driving: a systematic review and meta-analysis of epidemiological and experimental evidence.” Drug Saf. 2011 Feb 1;34(2):125-56. doi: 10.2165/11539050-000000000-00000. PMID: 21247221. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/21247221/.
• Smink BE, Egberts AC, Lusthof KJ, Uges DR, de Gier JJ. “The relationship between benzodiazepine use and traffic accidents: A systematic literature review.” CNS Drugs. 2010 Aug;24(8):639-53. doi: 10.2165/11533170-000000000-00000. PMID: 20658797. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/20658797/.
• Foster, D E. Benzo Free: The World of Anti-Anxiety Drugs and the Reality of Withdrawal. Erie, Colorado: Denim Mountain Press, 2018. https://easinganxiety.com/book.
• Hamzelou, Jessica. “Benzodiazepine prescriptions reach ‘disturbing’ levels in the US.” New Scientist. January 17, 2020. https://www.newscientist.com/article/2230379-benzodiazepine-prescriptions-reach-disturbing-levels-in-the-us.
• Verster, J., Volkerts, E. & Verbaten, M. Effects of Alprazolam on Driving Ability, Memory Functioning and Psychomotor Performance: A Randomized, Placebo-controlled Study. Neuropsychopharmacol 27, 260–269 (2002). https://doi.org/10.1016/S0893-133X(02)00310-X.

The Podcast

The Benzo Free Podcast provides information, support, and community to those who struggle with the long-term effects of anxiety medications such as benzodiazepines (Xanax, Ativan, Klonopin, Valium) and Z-drugs (Ambien, Lunesta, Sonata).

WEBSITE: https://www.easinganxiety.com

MAILING LIST: https://www.easinganxiety.com/subscribe

YOUTUBE (Benzo Free): https://www.youtube.com/@benzofree

DISCLAIMER

All content provided by Easing Anxiety is for general informational purposes only and should never be considered medical advice. Any health-related information provided is not a substitute for medical advice and should not be used to diagnose or treat health problems, or to prescribe any medical devices or other remedies. Never disregard medical advice or delay in seeking it. Please visit our website for our complete disclaimer at https://www.easinganxiety.com/disclaimer.

CREDITS

Music provided / licensed by Storyblocks Audio

— https://www.storyblocks.com

Benzo Free Theme

— Title: “Walk in the Park”

— Artist: Neil Cross

PRODUCTION

Easing Anxiety is produced by…

Denim Mountain Press

https://www.denimmountainpress.com

©2022 Denim Mountain Press – All Rights Reserved