ABSTRACT
This chapter describes trade name, classification, approved indications for psychological disorders, available dosage forms, storage, and compatibility, usual dosage and administration, relative contraindications, and clinically significant drug interactions of Benzodiazepines. Benzodiazepine pharmacotherapy is prescribed to ease the signs and symptoms of alcohol withdrawal and to avoid the risk for seizures during the acute withdrawal phase. A benzodiazepine withdrawal syndrome has been associated with the abrupt discontinuation of long-term benzodiazepine pharmacotherapy, or regular personal use. Signs and symptoms of the benzodiazepine withdrawal syndrome have been associated with rapid reductions in dosage and abrupt discontinuation of pharmacotherapy. Injectable benzodiazepine pharmacotherapy is associated with apnea, bradycardia, cardiac arrest, and hypotension, particularly among elderly, frail, or debilitated patients or those who have cardiovascular or respiratory disorders. The benzodiazepines are generally well absorbed following oral ingestion. Signs and symptoms of benzodiazepine overdosage include coma, confusion, diminished reflexes, incoordination, and somnolence.
