Current Status of Benzodiazepines

Abstract

When the pharmacologic and clinical properties of the benzodiazepine sedative–anxioly tics were last reviewed comprehensively in 1973 and 1974,1 2 3 their use in clinical practice was very extensive and increasing.4 5 6 It was pointed out that a continuation of the yearly rate of increase would lead to the total tranquilization of America by the turn of the century.7 During the mid-1970s, however, concern emerged among both prescribers and users of these medications about this continuously increasing use. Articles in scientific publications and the lay press suggested some apparently dramatic consequences and hazards of tranquilizer use.8 9 10 11 12 Although the validity of most such reports . . .