RISK FACTORS
RISK FACTORS
- Long-term use: Can lead to Dependence, Tolerance, Oversedation issues (Falls/RTAs), Cognitive effects and risk of withdrawal symptoms
- Concurrent alcohol use Chlordiazepoxide
- Concurrent opioid use 5mg
DIAZEPAM
– Common type of anxiolytic – When coming off medication, it is done with or without converting to Diazepam
Dose equivalence to diazepam 5mg
Gradual tapering
- Switch to diazepam equivalent dose (if possible)
- Reduce by 1/10 to 1/4 of the dose every 2-4 weeks – Gradual decline approach –
- Drug interactions:
- Alcohol: increases depressive effects
- Opioids: increase sedative effects
- Temazepam 10mg
- Oxazepam 15mg
- Chlordiazepoxide 12.5mg
- Clobazam 10mg
- Clonazepam 0.25mg
- Zopiclone 7.5mg
- Lorazepam 0.5mg
CONTRAINDICATIONS OF DIAZEPAM
- Myasthenia gravis
- Sleep apnoea syndrome
- Respiratory depression
- Acute/severe pulmonary insufficiency
KEY INFORMATION
- Driving restrictions: minimum 3-year ban if used for a non-prescribed purpose.
BENZO’S & Z-DRUGS