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Benzodiazepines: Uses, dangers, and clinical considerations
Neurology International
  • Amber N Edinoff, Louisiana State University Health Science Center
  • Catherine A. Nix, Louisiana State University
  • Janice W. Hollier, Louisiana State University
  • Caroline E. Sagrera, Louisiana State University
  • Blake M. Delacroix, Louisiana State University
  • Tunde Abubakar, Louisiana State University
  • Elyse M. Cornett, Louisiana State University
  • Adam M. Kaye, University of the Pacific
  • Alan David Kaye, Louisiana State University Health Science Center
ORCiD
Adam M. Kaye: 0000-0002-7224-3322
Document Type
Article
DOI
10.3390/neurolint13040059
Publication Date
12-1-2021
Abstract

Benzodiazepines (BZDs) are among one of the most widely prescribed drug classes in the United States. BZDs are a class of psychoactive drugs known for their depressant effect on the central nervous system (CNS). They quickly diffuse through the blood–brain barrier to affect the inhibitory neurotransmitter GABA and exert sedative effects. Related to their rapid onset and immediate symptom relief, BZDs are used for those struggling with sleep, anxiety, spasticity due to CNS pathology, muscle relaxation, and epilepsy. One of the debilitating side effects of BZDs is their addictive potential. The dependence on BZDs generally leads to withdrawal symptoms, requiring careful tapering of the medication when prescribed. Regular use of BZDs has been shown to cause severe, harmful psychological and physical dependence, leading to withdrawal symptoms similar to that of alcohol withdrawal. Some of these withdrawal symptoms can be life threatening. The current treatment for withdrawal is through tapering with clonazepam. Many drugs have been tested as a treatment for withdrawal, with few proving efficacious in randomized control trials. Future research is warranted for further exploration into alternative methods of treating BZD withdrawal. This call to action proves especially relevant, as those seeking treatment for BZD dependence and withdrawal are on the rise in the United States.

Creative Commons License
Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 International
Citation Information
Amber N Edinoff, Catherine A. Nix, Janice W. Hollier, Caroline E. Sagrera, et al.. "Benzodiazepines: Uses, dangers, and clinical considerations" Neurology International Vol. 13 Iss. 4 (2021) p. 594 - 607 ISSN: 2035-8377
Available at: http://works.bepress.com/adam-kaye/170/