Rickels K
Br J Clin Pharmacol. 1981;11 Suppl 1(Suppl 1):71S-83S. doi: 10.1111/j.1365-2125.1981.tb01842.x.
1 Drug use has to be viewed in the context of symptoms or illnesses for which they are prescribed. It is concluded that overall psychotropic drugs are used conservatively. 2 The benzodiazepines are safe drugs and in contrast with other centrally acting agents overuse will rarely have severe consequences. 3 Abrupt discontinuation may lead to temporary withdrawal reactions in patients who have been taking benzodiazepines regularly for 4 months or longer. Such reactions may occur more frequently in patients taking high doses.