Psychopharmacology and Psychiatry Updates What Every Clinician Should Know About the Risks of Benzodiazepines
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May 1, 2025 Dive into the alarming risks of benzodiazepines, especially when mixed with opioids, which can increase overdose chances fivefold in just 90 days. Discover how these drugs contribute to cognitive decline and accident hazards, particularly in older adults. Statistics reveal a rising trend in overdose deaths among women aged 30 to 64, underscoring the urgency for safer prescribing practices. Explore alternative treatments for anxiety that promise a healthier approach while emphasizing the need for informed decisions in clinical settings.
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Lethal Risk of Combining Benzodiazepines and Opioids
- Combining benzodiazepines with opioids increases the risk of fatal overdose fivefold in the first 90 days.
- Around 35% of patients are coprescribed benzodiazepines and opioids despite this lethal risk.
Surge in Benzodiazepine Overdoses in Women
- There was an 830% increase in benzodiazepine-involved overdose deaths among women aged 30 to 64 between 1999 and 2017.
- Women are more likely prescribed benzodiazepines, contributing to this disproportionate increase.
Cognitive and Physical Risks of Benzodiazepines
- Long-term benzodiazepine use causes cognitive impairment that can persist after stopping the drug.
- Benzodiazepines increase motor vehicle accident risk and cause a 50% higher risk of hip fractures, especially in older adults.