Benzodiazepines (MRCPsych course)

 MRCPsych course

Adverse Effects Of Benzodiazepines

5 D’s

• Dependence
• Drowsiness (daytime)
• Dysarthria
• Diplopia
• Disorientation: ‘paradoxical reaction’ leading to hyperexcitability or Delirium (esp. In elderly)

Benzodiazepines withdrawal symptoms (Abrupt cessation after development of dependence):

10 S’s

•   Stress
•   Skinny
•   Strange experiences (hypersensitivity derealisation/depersonalization, transient psychosis/perceptual distortions)
•   Sadness
•   Sleep disturbance
•   Salivation
•   Sweating
•   Sexual disinterest
•   Shaking  (tremor)
•   Seizures

 MRCPsych course