Benzodiazepines--current safety issues.

Benzodiazepines are relatively safe compounds. They do, however, have an adverse effect on psychomotor and cognitive functions. A variety of behavioural and mood disturbances have been reported, including increased hostility, depression, antisocial behaviour, paranoid ideation, and suicidal tendencies. Benzodiazepines may produce pharmacological dependence in therapeutic dosage. The typical pattern of a drug dependence syndrome is rare. Dependence is primarily manifested by an abstinence syndrome occurring after the dose of the drug is reduced or treatment is stopped. The problems of distinguishing between the abstinence syndrome and anxiety are highlighted. Withdrawing a patient from benzodiazepines is discussed, as well as the management of the withdrawal syndrome.