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Short-acting versus long-acting benzodiazepines: discontinuation effects in panic disorders
G D Burrows1, T R Norman, F K Judd
1Department of Psychiatry, University of Melbourne, Victoria, Australia.
Journal of Psychiatric Research
|January 1, 1990
Summary
Benzodiazepines are effective for panic disorders but can cause withdrawal symptoms. Discontinuation issues appear similar for both short- and long-acting benzodiazepines, contrary to expectations.
Area of Science:
- Psychiatry
- Pharmacology
Background:
- Benzodiazepines are commonly prescribed for anxiety and panic disorders due to their efficacy and safety profile.
- Historically, benzodiazepines were considered to have low dependence potential, even at high doses.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review benzodiazepine withdrawal, focusing on discontinuation after panic disorder treatment.
- To compare withdrawal symptoms between short-acting and long-acting benzodiazepines.
Main Methods:
- Review of existing literature on benzodiazepine withdrawal.
- Presentation of preliminary data comparing alprazolam (short-acting) and diazepam (long-acting) in panic disorder patients.
Main Results:
- Recent evidence indicates that benzodiazepine discontinuation, regardless of dose or duration of action, can lead to similar withdrawal symptoms, including anxiety and sleep disturbances.
- Preliminary findings suggest comparable withdrawal challenges between alprazolam and diazepam, challenging prior assumptions about differential withdrawal severity.
Conclusions:
- Benzodiazepine withdrawal is a significant concern, even after treatment for panic disorders.
- The distinction between short-acting and long-acting benzodiazepines regarding withdrawal severity may be less pronounced than previously thought.