Benzodiazepine information sheet

Benzodiazepines are available in different formulations such as liquid, drops, tablets and injections. 

These can be given by:

• mouth
• feeding tube
• inside of the cheek
• inside the nose 
• injections (into the vein or under the skin). 

Our team will discuss with you which benzodiazepine and formulation is best for your child.  

Benzodiazepines may be given to provide long acting symptom relief – this is known as a “background” dosing regimen. A “background” dosing regimen may be given as oral/enteral doses or injections (either intravenous or under the skin). 

It may also be given as a continuous infusion (either intravenous or under the skin).

Additional doses can be used if required. These are often called “breakthrough” doses. 
 

The dose needed is very individual. Some children need more than others. 

• The correct dose is the amount that eases your child's symptoms. 
• Your doctor will work out a safe starting dose, which may need to be increased or decreased.
• So that your child achieves the best possible symptom control, with the least side effects, any changes will be monitored carefully by our team. 
• There is no maximum dose of benzodiazepines, however if your child continues to need increased doses, they may not be on the right medicine for them and we may consider changing to a different medicine. 
• Your child's body may get used to a certain dose of benzodiazepine and the dose may need to be increased over time. This is called 'tolerance'. 
• A dose increase does not necessarily mean your child's condition is getting worse and does not mean that they are becoming addicted. 

Benzodiazepine may cause the following unwanted side effects. 

Not everybody experiences side effects and it is important to remember these are not an allergic reaction, and are often temporary and manageable. Please let us know if your child experiences any of these:  

• drowsiness 
• dizziness 
• increased saliva blue staining* (clonazepam drop) 
• confusion 

If your child stops taking benzodiazepines suddenly this may cause them to become unwell. Please speak to your doctor if you have any concerns. 

To ensure safe use of this medication, please:

• be familiar with your child’s medicine including the name, brand, strength and dose. It is a good idea to have this information written down 
• store your child’s medicine in a safe place, out of reach of children, pets and vulnerable people. Ensure it is out of direct sunlight and not near heat sources like heaters  
• measure your child’s doses carefully and accurately 
• know how to give your child’s medicine, for example, know if a tablet can be crushed, or if a liquid can be mixed with another substance 
• give your child’s medicines at times prescribed. Setting up reminders may help  
• record when you have given medicines to your child 
• record the effects of medicines, especially any side effects or unusual reactions, and tell your child’s doctor 
• know what to do if you forget to give your child a dose, for example, whether you give it when you remember or wait until the next scheduled dose? NB. Never double a dose to make up for a missed dose 
• do not intentionally miss or change your child’s medicines without telling your doctor
  ensure you always have adequate supply of medicines so you never run out, particularly over weekends or public holidays
• return any unused, unwanted or expired medicines to any pharmacy for appropriate disposal. Do not put medicines in the bin or down the drain.

Medicines will not stop your child’s health care team or you from monitoring the progress of your child’s illness.

There are other signs and symptoms of progression that can be observed.  
 

When benzodiazepines are used safely and appropriately, they do not have a significant effect on breathing. 
 

Benzodiazepines are not addictive when given appropriately (i.e: at a safe dose and for the right reasons).

Benzodiazepines may be addictive when used for incorrect purposes. 

Relieving your child’s symptoms changes their quality of life, but will not shorten its length. Furthermore, if your child is taking a benzodiazepine, this does not mean death is imminent.