title: [Benzodiazepines : known risks and recent data].
abstract: Benzodiazepines have been considered the treatment of choice for a variety of neuropsychiatric disorders. They are currently much more controversial and drugs considered less dangerous are generally preferred. This article summarizes the characteristics of the different benzodiazepines present on the Belgian market. It describes abuse and dependence, as well as the risks of these substances in specific populations or situations. New data suggest that there is a much higher risk of decease in case of a chronic use. Finally, recommendations on rational use and withdrawal are given.
authors.affiliation: Service de Psychiatré, ZithaKlinik, Luxembourg. cloosj@pt.lu
authors.forename: J M
authors.initials: JM
authors.lastname: Cloos
authors.forename: V
authors.initials: V
authors.lastname: Bocquet
mesh_terms: D001008:Anxiety Disorders / Q000188:drug therapy; D001259:Ataxia / Q000139:chemically induced; D001569:Benzodiazepines / Q000008:administration & dosage* / Q000009:adverse effects*; D003072:Cognition Disorders / Q000139:chemically induced; D003863:Depression / Q000188:drug therapy; D005221:Fatigue / Q000139:chemically induced; D006801:Humans; D009369:Neoplasms / Q000139:chemically induced; D012893:Sleep Wake Disorders / Q000188:drug therapy; D019966:Substance-Related Disorders / Q000150:complications / Q000209:etiology
chemical_list: D001569:Benzodiazepines