Benzodiazepine
Benzodiazepine is a psychoactive drug with sedative, hypnotic (sleep-inducing), anxiolytic (anti-anxiety), anticonvulsant, muscle relaxant and anterograde amnesia action[1]. These properties make benzodiazepines useful in treating anxiety, insomnia, Psychomotor agitation, seizures, muscle spasms, alcohol withdrawal and as a premedication for medical or dental procedures [2].
Benzodiazepines are generally safe and effective in the short term, although cognitive impairments and paradoxical effects such as aggression or behavioral disinhibition occasionally occur. Long-term use is controversial due to concerns about adverse psychological and physical effects, increased questioning of effectiveness and because benzodiazepines are prone to cause drug tolerance, physical dependence and upon cessation of use, a benzodiazepine withdrawal syndrome. Withdrawal from benzodiazepines generally leads to improved physical and mental health. The elderly are at an increased risk of suffering from both short- and long-term adverse effects[3][4].
Notes
- ↑ Page C, Michael C, Sutter M, Walker M, Hoffman BB (2002). Integrated Pharmacology (2nd ed.). C.V. Mosby
- ↑ Olkkola KT, Ahonen J (2008). "Midazolam and other benzodiazepines". Handb Exp Pharmacol 182 (182): 335–60
- ↑ Ashton H (2005). "The diagnosis and management of benzodiazepine dependence" (PDF). Curr Opin Psychiatry 18 (3): 249–55
- ↑ McIntosh A, Semple D, Smyth R, Burns J, Darjee R (2005). "Depressants". Oxford Handbook of Psychiatry (1st ed.). Oxford University Press. p. 540
