Abstract

Benzodiazepine tranquillisers and hypnotics have long been known to cause sedation, to impair psychomotor function and to release aggression in some patients. More recently it has been realised that some people become dependent on them.¹ There is also concern that benzodiazepines may produce continuing psychological impairment after long-term use. Do these problems justify a change in the usage of these drugs, and how should patients already on these drugs be managed? A recent paper discusses some of these issues more fully.²