title: Addiction: Part I. Benzodiazepines--side effects, abuse risk and alternatives.
abstract: Benzodiazepines are widely prescribed for a variety of conditions, particularly anxiety and insomnia. They are relatively safe and, with overdose, rarely result in death. However, used chronically, benzodiazepines can be addicting. These agents are often taken in combination with other drugs of abuse by patients with addiction disorders. In such patients, alternatives to benzodiazepines may be preferable and may include antidepressants, anticonvulsants, buspirone, antihypertensive agents and the newer neuroleptic medications. Caution must be used when prescribing benzodiazepines to patients with a current or remote history of substance abuse.
authors.affiliation: University of Wisconsin Medical School, Milwaukee, USA.
authors.forename: L P
authors.initials: LP
authors.lastname: Longo
authors.forename: B
authors.initials: B
authors.lastname: Johnson
mesh_terms: D014151:Anti-Anxiety Agents / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000627:therapeutic use; D001569:Benzodiazepines; D006207:Half-Life; D006801:Humans; D012306:Risk; D019966:Substance-Related Disorders
chemical_list: D014151:Anti-Anxiety Agents; D001569:Benzodiazepines