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Benzodiazepines and Related Sedatives.
Linda Peng1, Kenneth L Morford2, Ximena A Levander3
1Department of Medicine, Division of General Internal Medicine and Geriatrics, Addiction Medicine Section, Oregon Health & Science University, 3181 SW Sam Jackson Park Road, Mail Code L475, Portland, Oregon 97239, USA.
The Medical Clinics of North America
|November 26, 2021
Summary
Benzodiazepine use is rising, posing risks of misuse and dependence. Cognitive behavioral therapy shows promise for discontinuation, while medication evidence is limited.
Area of Science:
- Pharmacology
- Neuroscience
- Public Health
Background:
- Increasing use of benzodiazepines and novel psychoactive substances.
- High potential for misuse and physical dependence due to neurobiological properties.
- Significant adverse effects, including overdose and death risks.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review current strategies for discontinuing long-term benzodiazepine use.
- To evaluate the evidence for different discontinuation methods.
- To highlight the risks associated with benzodiazepine and related sedative use.
Main Methods:
- Literature review of studies on benzodiazepine discontinuation.
- Analysis of evidence quality for pharmacological and behavioral interventions.
- Assessment of risks and benefits of various treatment options.
Main Results:
- Low quality of evidence for most medications used in benzodiazepine discontinuation.
- Cognitive behavioral therapy demonstrates the most significant benefit among behavioral treatments.
- Outpatient taper and inpatient withdrawal are primary discontinuation options.
Conclusions:
- Cognitive behavioral therapy is a recommended behavioral treatment for benzodiazepine discontinuation.
- Further research is needed to improve evidence quality for pharmacological interventions.
- Addressing the rising use of benzodiazepines and related sedatives is crucial for public health.
Keywords:
BenzodiazepinesDesigner drugsDrug taperingHypnotics and sedativesSubstance withdrawal syndromeSubstance-related disordersMore Related Videos
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