[Long-term use of benzodiazepines]

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Title:	[Long-term use of benzodiazepines]
Author(s):	Gorgels, W.J.M.J. ; Oude Voshaar, R.C. ; Mol, A.J.J. ; Breteler, M.H.M. ; Lisdonk, E.H. van de ; Zitman, F.G.
Publication year:	2001
Source:	Nederlands Tijdschrift voor Geneeskunde, vol. 145, iss. 28, (2001), pp. 1342-1346
ISSN:	0028-2162
Publication type:	Article / Letter to editor
Please use this identifier to cite or link to this item : http://hdl.handle.net/2066/121584
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Subject:	Psychopathology and changed brain functions General Practice Psychopathologie en veranderde hersenfuncties
Organization:	General Practice Psychiatry SW OZ BSI KLP
Journal title:	Nederlands Tijdschrift voor Geneeskunde
Volume:	vol. 145
Issue:	iss. 28
Page start:	p. 1342
Page end:	p. 1346
Abstract:	Benzodiazepines are the most prescribed drugs in the Netherlands. There is scarcely an indication for long-term benzodiazepine use. Long-term use may lead to dependency and is associated with an increased risk of accidents/falls and cognitive function impairment. Therefore national and international guidelines advocate a conservative prescription policy, especially with respect to long-term prescription. It appears that these guidelines are not followed in practice. A standard sized general practice in the Netherlands contains, on average, 75 long-term benzodiazepine users. There appear to be both patient and GP related factors which influence the maintenance of this long-term use of benzodiazepines.