ABSTRACT
The first benzodiazepine, chlordiazepoxide, was intro duced in 1960 (1). They are currently the drugs of choice for the pharmacologic treatment of anxiety because of their low lethality, even when taken in massive amounts, and the fact that they do not activate the liver microsomal enzymes, so that their rate of metabolism and that of other drugs that may be in concurrent use is unchanged (2). When alcohol or other central nervous system (CNS) depressants are not used concomitantly, the benzodi azepines are the safest of all currently available antianxi ety and hypnotic agents. They also have a wide margin of safety in cases of overdosage (3). Although they appear to have a low potential for abuse, these drugs are used by more Americans than any other single prescription item. Benzodiazepines are frequently prescribed in large quan tities and are easily available (4). They are, therefore, prime agents for use in suicide attempts.
