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| | Using Benzodiazepines Wisely |
 | | BZPs have a comfortably wide safety margin in overdose, minimal pharmacokinetic drug interactions, and good tolerability, while maintaining effectiveness for a wide range of conditions. |
 | | Current uses of BZPs are varied and include but are not limited to insomnia, anxiety disorders (e.g., panic disorder, generalized anxiety, phobias, anxiety associated with obsessive compulsive disorder), mania, for behavior control in psychotic patients, catatonia, neuroleptic-induced side effects including akathisia, muscle spasms, seizures, and alcohol withdrawal. |
 | | High potency short-acting BZPs are the most difficult to discontinue (e.g., alprazolam) while those with accumulating active metabolites (diazepam) may have the benefit of an inherent self-taper that reduces the likelihood of a severe withdrawal reaction. |
| www.theberries.ns.ca /BOTW_archives/benzodiazepines.html (1187 words) |
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