<i>Commentary</i>: Benzodiazepine (BZD) and Related BZD-Receptor Agonists: Basic Science Reasons to Limit to Four Weeks or Less

Abstract

Benzodiazepines and related benzodiazepine-receptor agonists such as the pyrazolopyrimidinezalepl -on; the imidazopyridine zolpidem; and th e cyclopyrroloneszopiclone and eszopiclone, are among the most widely prescribed drugs, and for a variety of conditions. Surprisingly: 1) there are only a few conditions for which there is a good evidence basis, 2) efficacy has only been well demonstrated for short-term use ( i.e. , less than 4 weeks), and 3) much less is known about the basic science of these drugs than is widely believed. We suggest that the use of these drugs beyond four or less weeks exceeds the available knowledge base, so best-practice use suggests that the prescribing of these drugs for most patients should be limited to only short-term use until more is known about the basic pharmacology of their actions in the brain and in the periphery.