Benzodiazepines. An attempt to arrive at an informed consensus

Abstract

This article represents the review of the available researches of benzodiazepines conducted from 1980 to 2016, concerning their prescription at various mental diseases which main objective was the assessment of their efficiency and safety. Evidential researches in English and Russian languages were analyzed. The access to them was got through the PubMed and Medline databases. The recommendations of the international organizations dealing with mental health services issues were analyzed too. On the basis of the obtained data we draw a conclusion about the available restrictions in use of benzodiazepines at patients with post traumatic stress disorder, elderly age patients, patients with the propensity to addiction and cognitive impairments. While, benzodiazepines remain an integral part of treatment of an alcohol withdrawal syndrome, a catatonic disorders and rapid relief of panic disorders, it is necessary to appoint benzodiazepines taking into account their pharmacokinetic properties, in minimum possible doses, for no more than 2–4 weeks and with obligatory informing patients and relatives on possible side effects.