Benzodiazepine Dependence Toxicity and Abuse [Hardcover]

AOA (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: May 1990 | ISBN-10: 0890422281 | ISBN-13: 978-0890422281 | Edition: 1

In recent years, patients, lay publications, and consumer groups have expressed concern about whether benzodiazepines are overprescribed. Psychiatrists have raised questions about the potential for these medicationsÂespecially some of the newer, high-potency, short half-life compoundsÂto produce serious side effects as well as to induce drug dependence. Benzodiazepine Dependence, Toxicity, and Abuse provides clinicians with a review of the available information on the potential hazards of benzodiazepine treatment and offers suggestions for the rational prescription of these medications.

Editorial Reviews

Review

"This timely APA task force report on benzodiazepines should be 'must reading' for every prescribing clinician. Rarely does the reader find in one place a clear guide in using a class of psychotropic agents. In addition to their dealing with the myth of excessive benzodiazepine abuse, the authors have described the relative risk-benefit ratios, the 'epidemiology' of use, and given us succinct guidelines for the appropriate use of benzodiazepines in clinical practice."-- "David J. Kupfer, M.D., Department of Psychiatry, University of Pittsburgh"

Product Details

• Hardcover: 116 pages
• Publisher: Amer Psychiatric Pub; 1 edition (May 1990)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0890422281
• ISBN-13: 978-0890422281
• Product Dimensions: 9.1 x 6.1 x 0.6 inches
• Shipping Weight: 12.8 ounces
• Average Customer Review: 5.0 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (1 customer review)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #639,849 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)
  • #41 in Books > Medical Books > Pharmacology > Neuropsychopharmacology

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

0 of 2 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Landmark Report, March 17, 2009

By 

Anthony J. Vita (Naperville, IL, USA) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: Benzodiazepine Dependence Toxicity and Abuse (Hardcover)

This is a landmark report written by the APA in response to growing concerns about the abuse potential of benzodiazepines. Given the popularity of these medications in primary care and other branches of medicine, the psychiatrist is often faced with patients who have become inadvertently addicted.

The APA report throws some seriously cold water on the views of "pharmacologic Calvinism" and goes to lengths to point out that most users do not become addicted or abuse these meds. Benzos can be very useful tools in the correct hands.

The only caveat with this report is that it was written prior to the widespread introduction of Xanax, which is by far the most commonly addictive and abused member of this class.

The monograph is brief and written in a casual but professional style.

This classic work should be read by all psychiatrists, not only to benefit our patients but to defend against pharmacologic Calvinism.

Anthony J. Vita, MD, MPH
Private Practice
Naperville, IL