[Benzodiazepines. Long-term prescription and withdrawal]. / Benzodiazépines. Prescription au long cours et sevrage.

The authors successively mention the long-term treatments with benzodiazepines, prescribed by the general practitioner and by the psychiatrist. In conclusion, they state that the benzodiazepines seldom induce dependence. Then, reviewing the data available in the literature , they describe the clinical features of withdrawal syndrome, the factors with may be prescribe and the rebound phenomena following abrupt cessation of benzodiazepine therapy.

[Characteristics of benzodiazepine consumption in patients hospitalized in an internal medicine department]. / Caractéristiques de la consommation de benzodiazépines chez des patients hospitalisés dans un service de médècine interne.

We have studied benzodiazepines (BZD) intake among 129 patients admitted in an internal medicine unit. In this population, we have differentiated long term (over 4 months) users (n = 25), occasional users (n = 24), and non users (n = 80). Analysis of the results favoured the fact that BZD users were, more than non users, alike to have a history of cardiovascular and/or rheumatic diseases, to have had multiple surgical procedures and that these patients often took several other psychotropic and non psychotropic drugs. Particular characteristics of long term users are discussed next (prevalence, sex ratio, incidence of depression).