Are benzodiazepines overused and abused?

Abstract

1 Drug use has to be viewed in the context of symptoms or illnesses for which they are prescribed. It is concluded that overall psychotropic drugs are used conservatively. 2 The benzodiazepines are safe drugs and in contrast with other centrally acting agents overuse will rarely have severe consequences. 3 Abrupt discontinuation may lead to temporary withdrawal reactions in patients who have been taking benzodiazepines regularly for 4 months or longer. Such reactions may occur more frequently in patients taking high doses. 1981 The British Pharmacological Society