[jdietrich]

We have to look at both benefits and harms. Benxodiazepines have caused absolutely immense harm, because they have a cluster of very nasty properties.

Tolerance and physical dependence develop rapidly. For most patients, the actual effect of the drug disappears within a few weeks unless the dose is increased. The most common withdrawal symptom is rebound anxiety, so you'll feel worse after stopping the drug than before you started. Benzodiazepines are respiratory depressants and tolerance of this effect develops more slowly; higher doses present a substantial risk of overdose, particularly when combined with alcohol. Paradoxical effects are remarkably common, with a significant proportion of patients developing impulsivity, aggression and mania.

I accept that long-term prescription of benzodiazepines may be a reasonable option for some treatment-resistant patients as a last resort, but America is grossly over-prescribing benzodiazepines with disastrous consequences. Here in the UK, benxodiazepines are some of the most strictly controlled prescription drugs and new prescriptions for more than 14 days are rare.

[keyboardhitter]

Thanks for your comment. I was appalled that the article didn't mention the implications of being prescribed benzodiazepines (both culturally, behaviorally, and physically). I wish in America these consequences were taken more seriously AND that people were more educated about it, but it almost seems like a long-running joke from the 50s -- "Oh, just take a valium! You'll be fine!" and etc. I really wonder how long until that is not socially acceptable...