title: Usage of benzodiazepines: A review.
abstract: Abstract Purpose. The use of benzodiazepines remains a source of controversy. Some prescribers believe that they are beneficial and espouse their use; others regard their risk:benefit ratio as too adverse for any but occasional use. This review considers these viewpoints based on the appropriate literature. Survey. The recent English-language literature relating to this topic was surveyed. The publications proved too heterogeneous for a formal meta-analysis, so a descriptive review is provided. Overview. Surveys of benzodiazepine use provide data mainly from the UK, Europe and North America. Prescribing patterns varied widely but long-term usage is common and sometimes the norm. Conclusions. Long-term prescription of benzodiazepines still takes place despite general warnings from the medical and other professions and drug regulatory bodies that long-term use is unjustified both from the lack of a systemic database establishing such efficacy and a large literature documenting the risks of long-term usage, such as dependence. The young and the old are particularly at risk. Continued monitoring is essential, but the regulatory authorities may need to take a more active role in curbing such undesirable practice.
authors.affiliation: Medicines in Mental Health Ltd, Liverpool, UK, and School of Pharmacy and Chemistry, Liverpool John Moores University, Liverpool, UK.
authors.forename: John
authors.initials: J
authors.lastname: Donoghue
authors.forename: Malcolm
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Lader
keywords: Benzodiazepines; dependence problems; long-term usage; prescriptions