14/03/28 00:06:57.99 ytcETq0D.net
There has been little clinical progress in the benzodiazepine world since 2002 when the
last edition of "Benzodiazepines: How they work and how to withdraw" appeared on
www.benzo.org.uk. Benzodiazepines are still over-prescribed globally, often in excessive
doses and frequently for too long. Prescriptions for benzodiazepines and the similar '
Z-drugs' are actually increasing in many countries. There is a tendency to prescribe the
more potent agents such as clonazepam (Klonopin) and, in the U.S. particularly, alprazolam
(Xanax) and zolpidem (Ambien), while lorazepam (Ativan) is still the most commonly
prescribed drug for anxiety. The availability of benzodiazepines on the internet has
increased their use as 'self-medication' in the general public who are often unaware of
their adverse effects and dependence potential. This availability has also added to
benzodiazepine use in multidrug abusers.