[Is it possible to change long-term benzodiazepine consumption by counseling in general practice?]

Twelve general practitioners in a community offered 576 long-term consumers of benzodiazepines interviews in order to discuss possible reduction in medication. A total of 175 accepted the offer. Consumption of benzodiazepines was registered in the local pharmacy before and after the intervention. The total average reduction occurred in 20% and a definite reduction in consumption of sedatives by 30-49 years in 60%. The consumption of benzodiazepines by patients aged over 70 year remained the same as before the intervention.