Nadine Eckert Benzodiazepines are known to lead to dependency quickly and have numerous side effects. Long-term use is not recommended. However, if there is a long-term prescription, the goal should be to end therapy with these tranquilizers. However, discontinuation could have unexpected consequences, as US researchers reported in JAMA Network Open. In a registry study,...
Tag: <span>benzodiazepine</span>
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Researchers find risk of miscarriage increases with benzodiazepine use in pregnancy
by Elana Gotkine After accounting for measurable confounders, the risk for miscarriage is increased in association with benzodiazepine use during pregnancy, according to a study published online Dec. 27 in JAMA Psychiatry. Lin-Chieh Meng, from the National Taiwan University in Taipei, and colleagues quantified the risk for miscarriage associated with benzodiazepine use during pregnancy in...
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Benzodiazepine use associated with brain injury, job loss and suicide
by CU Anschutz Medical Campus Credit: CC0 Public Domain Benzodiazepine use and discontinuation is associated with nervous system injury and negative life effects that continue after discontinuation, according to a new study from researchers at the University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus. The study was published today in the journal PLOS ONE. “Despite the fact that benzodiazepines have been...
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Where is my Xanax? Why your doctor may be concerned about prescribing benzodiazepines
by Arash Javanbakht, The Conversation As an academic psychiatrist who treats people with anxiety and trauma, I often hear questions about a specific class of medications called benzodiazepines. I also often receive referrals for patients who are on these medications and reluctant to discontinue them. There has been increasing attention into long-term risks of benzodiazepines,...
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Helping older adults discontinue using sedatives
Older adults, especially those who are admitted to hospitals, are at risk for potentially dangerous side effects if they are taking multiple medicines. Taking several medications at the same time is called polypharmacy. Of special concern are benzodiazepine and non-benzodiazepine sedative hypnotics. These medications, which include lorazepam, clonazepam, zopiclone, and others, are often prescribed for sleep–despite the...