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News Article Highlights Long-Term Health Effects of Benzodiazepines
An article in the June 30, 2009, on-line edition of The Washington Post highlighted
the long-term health effects of benzodiazepines. Benzodiazepines are often prescribed
to manage anxiety, panic, and sleep disorders and in connection with pain management
regimens. Originally pushed as an alternative to barbiturates, their use has grown
rapidly over the last 30 years. Health officials and consumers have increasingly
noted the potential for physical dependence and grueling withdrawals after taking
the drugs for more than a few weeks (The Washington Post).
The article indicated that 85 million prescriptions were filled in 2008 for the
top 20 benzodiazepines, an increase of 10 million over the number of prescriptions
filled in 2004. Critics argue that benzodiazepines are over-prescribed and can produce
serious side effects. According to health experts, some patients require high doses
after a few years in order to receive the same effect due to drug tolerance. The
article provided estimates which showed that 10 to 20 percent of patients taking
benzodiazepines will experience problems with dose escalation and physical dependence.
Patients who overcame the withdrawal effects of benzodiazepines reported the ordeal
as rivaling the withdrawals from ending a heroin habit. According to experts, potential
adverse events from benzodiazepine withdrawals include hallucinations, seizures,
and even death.
The article reported that some doctors have turned to selective serotonin reuptake
inhibitors (SSRIs), which include antidepressants, to replace benzodiazepines in
the treatment of anxiety. Doctors such as Steven Daviss, chairman of psychiatry
at the Baltimore Washington Medical Center, believe SSRIs are a safer alternative
than benzodiazepines with less risk for dependence and a less dangerous withdrawal.
Cerilliant provides certified solution standards for a wide variety of native and
labeled benzodiazepines and their metabolites. Cerilliant also offers certified
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Cerilliant Certified Drug Standards of Benzodiazepines
Cerilliant Certified Drug Standards of Tricyclic Antidepressants
Cerilliant Certified Drug Standards of Tetracyclic Antidepressants
Cerilliant Certified Drug Standards of SSRI Antidepressants
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