Second meeting of the French CEIP (Centres d'Evaluation et d'Information sur la Pharmacodépendance). Part II: benzodiazepine withdrawal.
The aim of this meeting was to describe the news trends about abuse and addiction of anxiolytics and hypnotics. The part II of this meeting reviewed several aspects of the withdrawing benzodiazepines focusing in particular on clinical symptoms, biological patterns, and strategies for discontinuation. The discontinuation is usually beneficial due to the importance of adverse effects induced by long-term use of benzodiazepines. Several clinicals options have been described including gradual tapering of the current benzodiazepine, substitution with a long acting benzodiazepines or treating the symptoms of withdrawal. Psychological interventions range from a simple support through counselling to expert cognitive-behavioural therapy. However more controlled clinical trials are needed to promote adequate and optimal patient care in management of benzodiazepine withdrawing.
Authier
Nicolas
N
CEIP associé, Service de Pharmacologie, CHU Clermont-Ferrand, Clermont-Ferrand, France. authier@hotmail.com
Boucher
Alexandra
A
Lamaison
Dominique
D
Llorca
Pierre-Michel
PM
Descotes
Jacques
J
Eschalier
Alain
A
D001569:Benzodiazepines / Q000009:adverse effects*; D005602:France; D006801:Humans; D006993:Hypnotics and Sedatives / Q000009:adverse effects*; D013375:Substance Withdrawal Syndrome / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000503:physiopathology / Q000628:therapy*; D019966:Substance-Related Disorders / Q000628:therapy
D006993:Hypnotics and Sedatives; D001569:Benzodiazepines