Gene/Protein Disease Symptom Drug Enzyme Compound
Pivot Concepts:   Target Concepts:
Query: UMLS:C0036572 (seizures)
 80,221 document(s) hit in 31,850,051 MEDLINE articles (0.00 seconds)

Benzodiazepine dependence is a frequent complication of regular prescriptions for 4 weeks or longer, occurring in almost one-third of patients. Although it is also manifested by tolerance to drug effects and occasional drug seeking behaviour, particularly in those prone to drug abuse, most dependence is characterised by a withdrawal syndrome on stopping treatment. The withdrawal syndrome includes symptoms of anxiety and those of perceptual disturbance such as depersonalisation, hypersensitivity of all major senses, dysphoria and (rarely) epileptic seizures and psychotic episodes. Risk factors for dependence include high dosage, use of more potent and short acting benzodiazepines, long duration of therapy and dependent premorbid personality characteristics. If none of these apply, benzodiazepines can be prescribed with safety.
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PMID:Benzodiazepine dependence. Avoidance and withdrawal. 810 17

Benzodiazepine dependence is a common problem. However, there is limited data on safe and effective detoxification protocols for benzodiazepine-dependent patients. We reviewed the medical records of 310 patients treated with a 3-day fixed-dose phenobarbital taper for benzodiazepine dependence over a 5-year period between 2004 and 2009. We recorded the incidence of seizures, falls, delirium, and emergency department (ED) visits or readmission to our institution within 30 days as markers for safety; we also recorded how many patients had doses held because of sedation. The taper was well tolerated, although one quarter of the patients had at least one dose held because of sedation. There were no seizures, falls, or injuries reported. Six percent had a readmission, and 7% had an ED visit at our institution within 30 days of discharge, but only 3 patients required readmission for withdrawal symptoms. Overall, this protocol appears to be safe and effective.
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PMID:Safety and effectiveness of a fixed-dose phenobarbital protocol for inpatient benzodiazepine detoxification. 2228 34