[When and how to stop anxiolytic drugs].
The anxiolytics withdrawal constitutes a frequently desirable therapeutic situation in which it is necessary to integrate clinical data related to the disorder for which they were prescribed as well as the pharmacological and psychological aspects. Personality features and emotional environment of the patient are to be considered. This withdrawal follows a first step in which the anxiolytics were initially prescribed. This situation happens in medicine in multiple clinical situations. However, because of the phenomena of tolerance and dependence but also according to the efficacy of the anti-depressants in most anxiety disorders, benzodiazepines are described in France as over-prescribed molecules. General rules of prescription are a prelude to a good withdrawal process. This last must always be prevented especially when the dosage is high occurring after a long duration treatment. A good guideline for the initial prescription is a good ticket to anticipate the withdrawal time.
Nuss
P
P
Service de psychiatrie et de psychologie médicale, Hôpital Saint-Antoine, Paris. philippe.nuss@St.ap-hop-paris.fr
D014151:Anti-Anxiety Agents / Q000008:administration & dosage*; D000928:Antidepressive Agents / Q000008:administration & dosage; D001008:Anxiety Disorders / Q000188:drug therapy / Q000503:physiopathology / Q000523:psychology; D001569:Benzodiazepines; D011307:Drug Prescriptions; D004363:Drug Utilization; D004644:Emotions; D005602:France; D006801:Humans; D010551:Personality; D013997:Time Factors
D014151:Anti-Anxiety Agents; D000928:Antidepressive Agents; D001569:Benzodiazepines