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Benzodiazepines--misuse, abuse and dependency.
American Family Physician
|November 1, 1984
Summary
Benzodiazepine use can lead to adverse effects like dependency and withdrawal. Limit anxiolytic benzodiazepine prescriptions to short-term anxiety treatment to mitigate risks.
Area of Science:
- Pharmacology
- Clinical Toxicology
Background:
- Benzodiazepines are commonly prescribed for anxiety.
- European studies highlight significant adverse effects associated with their use.
Observation:
- Reported adverse effects include aberrant symptoms and toxic states.
- Benzodiazepine dependency can occur at high or therapeutic doses, and in cases of polydrug abuse.
Findings:
- Withdrawal syndromes encompass rebound effects and specific benzodiazepine reactions.
- Dependency is a significant risk, categorized by dose and co-occurring substance use.
Implications:
- Anxiolytic benzodiazepine treatment should be restricted to short-term management of acute anxiety.
- Clinicians should carefully consider the risks of dependency and withdrawal when prescribing benzodiazepines.