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Pharmacopsychiatry 1995; 28(6): 257-262
DOI: 10.1055/s-2007-979613
Original Paper

© Georg Thieme Verlag Stuttgart · New York

Benzodiazepine Withdrawal Syndrome Seizures

H. Martínez-Cano1 , 2 , A. Vela-Bueno1 , 4 , M. de Iceta3 , R. Pomalima4 , 5 , I. Martínez-Gras2
  • 1Department of Psychiatry, Autonomous University of Madrid, Spain
  • 2Department of Psychiatry, Princess Hospital, Madrid, Spain
  • 3Department of Psychiatry, San Carlos University Hospital, Madrid, Spain
  • 4Sleep Disorders Centre, Madrid, Spain
  • 5NIMH H. Delgado-H. Noguchi, Lima, Peru
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Publication History

Publication Date:
23 April 2007 (online)

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Abstract

In this study, we present five cases of seizures following withdrawal of flunitrazepam, lorazepam, or triazolam, representing 3 % of a sample consisting of 153 patients dependent on benzodiazepines. Both abrupt cessation of benzodiazepine intake and high-dose use seem to be critical for the appearance of seizures. Pharmacological features, such as short elimination half-life and high potency, might explain the higher risk of seizures observed in these patients.