Table of contents
Benzodiazepine use disorder
What's new
Added 2023 AAFP, 2023 AHA, 2021 VA/DoD, 2020 CGS, and 2012 BAP guidelines for the management of benzodiazepine use disorder.
Background
Overview
Definition
BUD is a chronic condition characterized by the excessive and uncontrollable use of benzodiazepine drugs, often leading to significant impairment or distress.
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Pathophysiology
BUD is characterized by neurobiological changes in the brain's GABA system. Benzodiazepines enhance the effect of GABA, leading to sedative, hypnotic, anxiolytic, and muscle relaxant effects. Chronic use can lead to the development of tolerance and dependence.
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Epidemiology
The prevalence of BUD in the US is estimated at 2.2%.
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Risk factors
Risk factors for BUD include a personal history of substance use disorders, psychiatric disorders (particularly anxiety disorders), and certain demographic factors, such as lower educational level and lower income. Environmental influences, such as easy access to benzodiazepines, can also contribute to the development of this disorder.
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Disease course
Clinically, BUD presents with a range of symptoms. These can include cravings for benzodiazepines, continued use despite negative consequences, inability to control or reduce use, and withdrawal symptoms when use is reduced or stopped. Withdrawal symptoms can include anxiety, restlessness, insomnia, and seizures. Complications can include cognitive impairment, increased risk of falls and accidents, and life-threatening withdrawal symptoms.
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Prognosis and risk of recurrence
The prognosis of BUD can vary widely and is influenced by several factors. These include the patient's overall health, the presence of co-occurring mental health disorders, and the patient's social support system.
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Guidelines
Key sources
The following summarized guidelines for the evaluation and management of benzodiazepine use disorder are prepared by our editorial team based on guidelines from the American Academy of Family Physicians (AAFP 2023), the American Heart Association (AHA 2023), the United States Department of Defense (DoD/VA 2021), the Canadian Geriatrics Society (CGS 2020), the U.S. Preventive Services Task Force (USPSTF 2020), the ...
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Screening and diagnosis
Medical management
Withdrawal of benzodiazepines: as per DoD/VA 2021 guidelines, taper benzodiazepines gradually in patients requiring withdrawal management for benzodiazepines.
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Adjunctive therapy
Nonpharmacologic interventions
Mutual help programs: as per DoD/VA 2021 guidelines, consider promoting active involvement in group mutual help programs (using peer linkage or 12-step facilitation), taking into account patient preference and availability, in patients with drug use disorder in early recovery or following relapse.
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Cognitive behavior therapy
Mindfulness-based therapies
Technology-based interventions
Specific circumstances
Elderly patients: as per CGS 2020 guidelines, avoid long-term use of BZRAs (> 4 weeks) in older adults, as these agents increase the risk of cognitive impairment, delirium, falls, fractures, hospitalizations, and motor vehicle crashes. Offer alternative management strategies for insomnia, anxiety disorders, and behavioral and psychological symptoms of dementia.
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Patients with benzodiazepine toxicity