El inadecuado uso de las benzodiazepinas

Twenty years of ongoing international controversy as to benzodiazepines, provoked by the evidence of diverse and serious adverse effects, does not yet seem to have resulted in a generalized change of attitude in the medical world. Although the data sheets for benzodiazepines now must reflect that treatment should be short and never exceed 3 months, in many cases these drugs are prescribed for much longer periods, sometimes years, without objective or subjective need. The consequences for the patient can be very negative, not only in exceptional cases but in a fair percentage of patients, especially the aged. It is imperative that primary care physicians revise their opinions as to the therapeutical pros and contras of benzodiazepines and heed the recommendations of national and international health agencies. In the U.S., U.K., France, Sweden and other countries, important groups of victims of the inadequate prescription and use of benzodiazepines are presenting claims for damages against physicians and institutions involved.