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Abstract

Modern Applications in Pharmacy & Pharmacology

Abuses and Misuses of Benzodiazepines and Antidepressents; A Review

Submission: February 02, 2018; Published: March 20, 2018

DOI: 10.31031/MAPP.2018.01.000521

ISSN 2637-7756
Volume1 Issue5

Abstract

Although benzodiazepines and antidepressants are valuable in the treatment of anxiety and depression disorders, they have some potential for abuse and may cause dependence or addiction. It is important to distinguish between addiction to and normal physical dependence on benzodiazepines and antidepressants. Intentional abusers of benzodiazepines usually have other substance abuse problems. Benzodiazepines are usually a secondary drug of abuse used mainly to augment the high received from another drug or to offset the adverse effects of other drugs. Few cases of addiction arise from legitimate use of benzodiazepines and antidepressant. Pharmacologic dependence, a predictable and natural adaptation of a body system long accustomed to the presence of a drug, may occur in patients taking therapeutic doses of benzodiazepines and antidepressant. However, this dependence, which generally manifests itself in withdrawal symptoms upon the abrupt discontinuation of the medication, may be controlled and ended through dose tapering, medication switching, and/or medication augmentation.

Keywords: Benzodiazepines; Antidepressants; Misuses; Abuses

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