Convulsive status epilepticus following abrupt high-dose benzodiazepine discontinuation.
The misuse of benzodiazepines (BNZ)s may result in serious side effects. Three cases of convulsive status epilepticus (CSE) following abrupt discontinuation of long-term use of 25 mg of lorazepam in one patient and more than 20 mg of flunitrazepam in two patients are presented; they were non-epileptics and free of other high-risk factors for seizures. A favorable outcome for all three cases was noted. They remain free of seizures without antiepileptic treatment. Nevertheless, because of the extensive use of benzodiazepines, such rare high-risk side effects must be emphasized.
Gatzonis
S D
SD
Department of Neurology, Athens Medical School, Eginition Hospital, 72 vas. Sofias av., Athens, Greece.
Angelopoulos
E K
EK
Daskalopoulou
E G
EG
Mantouvalos
V
V
Chioni
A
A
Zournas
C
C
Siafakas
A
A
D000328:Adult; D014151:Anti-Anxiety Agents / Q000008:administration & dosage / Q000009:adverse effects*; D004305:Dose-Response Relationship, Drug; D004830:Epilepsy, Tonic-Clonic / Q000139:chemically induced / Q000175:diagnosis; D005260:Female; D005445:Flunitrazepam / Q000008:administration & dosage / Q000009:adverse effects*; D006801:Humans; D008134:Long-Term Care; D008140:Lorazepam / Q000008:administration & dosage / Q000009:adverse effects*; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D013226:Status Epilepticus / Q000139:chemically induced* / Q000175:diagnosis; D013375:Substance Withdrawal Syndrome / Q000175:diagnosis*
D014151:Anti-Anxiety Agents; D005445:Flunitrazepam; D008140:Lorazepam