Clinical picture of benzodiazepine dependence: The role of different types of benzodiazepines

Abstract

ABSTRACTObjective: The aim of our study was to find out if there are any differences in clinical presentation due to the long-term use of different benzodiazepines as monotherapy. Methods: The data were obtained from a group of 121 subjects who have used benzodiazepines chronically (daily use, more than 1 year). This group has been divided into subgroups with respect to the particular type of benzodiazepines, and the subgroups were mutually compared. Results: Chronic use of benzodiazepines more than 1 year is associated with very high percentage of positive benzodiazepine dependence indicators. The clinical picture of benzodiazepine dependence could vary due to different types of benzodiazepine. The chronic use of diazepam is associated with the highest level of anxiety, depression, and more frequent insomnia. Unrefreshing sleep score was significantly more intense in the patients who used clonazepam. Clonazepam group had the lowest level of anxiety, the core symptom of benzodiazepine dependence. Bromazepam group had the lowest level of craving, and the lorazepam group was connected with less sleep problems. Conclusions: After continuous use of benzodiazepines more than 1 year, we can expect high scores of dependence indicators, as well as specific clinical presentation depending on the type of benzodiazepine which is used.