Discontinuation of benzodiazepines and related medicinal products: procedure for the doctor providing outpatient treatment

The aim is to reduce the long-term prescription of benzodiazepines (BZD) and related medicinal products for anxiety disorders and insomnia because the benefit-risk relationship is unfavourable.

Despite prescriptions being of limited duration, it has been observed that usage may extend over several months, or even several years. However, beyond a few weeks, the risks of adverse effects increase: daytime drowsiness, falls, accidents, memory impairment, etc., as also does the risk of dependence.

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