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Symptoms. Effects of long-term benzodiazepine use may include disinhibition, impaired concentration and memory, depression, [ 19 ][ 20 ] as well as sexual dysfunction. [ 6 ][ 21 ] The long-term effects of benzodiazepines may differ from the adverse effects seen after acute administration of benzodiazepines. [ 22 ]
Benzodiazepines (BZD, BDZ, BZs), colloquially known as " benzos ", are a class of depressant drugs whose core chemical structure is the fusion of a benzene ring and a diazepine ring. They are prescribed to treat conditions such as anxiety disorders, insomnia, and seizures. The first benzodiazepine, chlordiazepoxide (Librium), was discovered ...
Benzodiazepines are one of the most highly prescribed classes of drugs, [7] and they are commonly used in self-poisoning. [8] [9] Over 10 years in the United Kingdom, 1512 fatal poisonings have been attributed to benzodiazepines with or without alcohol. [10] Temazepam was shown to be more toxic than the majority of benzodiazepines.
The neonatal benzodiazepine withdrawal syndrome has been reported to persist from hours to months after birth. [131] A withdrawal syndrome is seen in about 20% of pediatric intensive care unit children after infusions with benzodiazepines or opioids. [132]
Benzodiazepines can be addictive and induce dependence even at low doses, with 23% becoming addicted within 3 months of use. Benzodiazepine addiction is considered a public health problem. Approximately 68.5% of prescriptions of benzodiazepines originate from local health centers, with psychiatry and general hospitals accounting for 10% each.
Diazepam, sold under the brand name Valium among others, is a medicine of the benzodiazepine family that acts as an anxiolytic. [ 14 ] It is used to treat a range of conditions, including anxiety, seizures, alcohol withdrawal syndrome, muscle spasms, insomnia, and restless legs syndrome. [ 14 ]
To minimise the risk of physical/psychological dependence, lorazepam is best used only short-term, at the smallest effective dose. If any benzodiazepine has been used long-term, the recommendation is a gradual dose taper over a period of weeks, months or longer, according to dose and duration of use, the degree of dependence and the individual.
v. t. e. Benzodiazepine use disorder (BUD), also called misuse or abuse, [ 1 ] is the use of benzodiazepines without a prescription and/or for recreational purposes, which poses risks of dependence, withdrawal and other long-term effects. [ 2 ][ 3 ] Benzodiazepines are one of the more common prescription drugs used recreationally.