Use and misuse of benzodiazepines in Brazil: a review.
Benzodiazepines are among the most prescribed and consumed medication groups in the world. Although benzodiazepines are used in the treatment of several psychiatric and non-psychiatric disorders, and are generally safe and well-tolerated, the potential for misuse and abuse is considerable. This makes the study and regulation of benzodiazepine prescription and consumption an item of concern in public health around the world. Most developed countries have consistent data of benzodiazepine sales and consumption; however, data from developing countries is scarce, making health policies on the use of benzodiazepines a much tougher issue in these countries. This article aims to review the epidemiology of benzodiazepine use in Brazil, as well as to analyze how legislation, physician misinformation and economic factors might contribute to making benzodiazepine abuse a problem in the country.
Kapczinski
F
F
Unidade de Psicofarmacologia, Depto. de Psiquiatria, Universidade Federal do Rio Grande do Sul, Porto Alegre, Brazil. kapcz@zaz.com.br
Amaral
O B
OB
Madruga
M
M
Quevedo
J
J
Busnello
J V
JV
de Lima
M S
MS
D014151:Anti-Anxiety Agents / Q000009:adverse effects* / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D001569:Benzodiazepines; D001938:Brazil; D003906:Developing Countries; D016903:Drug Monitoring / Q000523:psychology; D011307:Drug Prescriptions; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D004366:Nonprescription Drugs / Q000009:adverse effects* / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D019966:Substance-Related Disorders / Q000523:psychology*; D013997:Time Factors
D014151:Anti-Anxiety Agents; D004366:Nonprescription Drugs; D001569:Benzodiazepines