Benzodiazepines: Information for GPs
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The onset and duration of symptoms varies depending on the particular benzodiazepine/s taken as there is a wide variation in half-life and some benzodiazepines have active metabolites.
Symptoms can be considered under three main headings:
Withdrawal is unlikely if the patient’s use is intermittent only or follows a binge pattern only. More severe withdrawal is associated with:
Benzodiazepine withdrawal can be safely managed as an outpatient unless:
Determine dosage for QID regimen
Score: 3
Descriptor: Difficult to rouse
Stimulus: Pain, shoulder squeeze, jaw thrust
Response: Brief eye opening OR any movement OR no response
Duration: n/a
Score: 2
Descriptor: Easy to rouse, difficult staying awake
Stimulus: Voice, light touch
Response: Eye opening and eye contact
Duration: <10 secs
Score: 1
Descriptor: Easy to rouse
Stimulus: Voice, light touch
Response: Eye opening and eye contact
Duration: <10 secs
Score: 0
Descriptor: Awake, alert
Stimulus: n/a
Response: n/a
Duration: n/a
Alcohol and Drug Information Services (ADIS) 1300 13 1340
ADIS is a telephone information, counselling and referral service operating 8:30am to 10:00pm, seven days per week.
Drug and Alcohol Clinical Advisory Services (DACAS)
DACAS provides a telephone and email service for South Australian health professionals seeking clinical information and clarification around clinical procedures, guidelines and evidence-based practice.
Telephone: (08) 7087 1742 from 8:30am to 10:00pm, seven days/week including public holidays or email your enquiry to HealthDACASEnquiries@sa.gov.au
Out of
these hours, medically urgent calls from a hospital based Medical
Consultant or country hospital medical officer/GP will always receive a response.
This services does not provide proxy medical cover and cannot assume responsibility for direct patient care.