a high performance liquid chromatographic method with ultra violet detection for simultaneous analysis of six benzodiazepines (bzds) (chlordiazepoxide, diazepam, clonazepam, midazolam , flurazpam and lorazepam) has been developed for forensic screening of adulterated non-alcoholic drinks. samples were analyzed after a simple procedure for preparation using ph adjustment and filtering. isocratic...

Benzodiazepines are widely prescribed for a variety of conditions, particularly anxiety and insomnia. They are relatively safe and, with overdose, rarely result in death. However, used chronically, benzodiazepines can be addicting. These agents are often taken in combination with other drugs of abuse by patients with addiction disorders. In such patients, alternatives to benzodiazepines may be ...

OBJECTIVES Benzodiazepines have been associated with an increased incidence of infections, and mortality from sepsis, in the critically ill. Here, we determined the effect of community use of benzodiazepines on the occurrence of, and mortality following, pneumonia. METHODS A nested case-control study using 29 697 controls and 4964 cases of community-acquired pneumonia (CAP) from The Health Im...

Benzodiazepines, such as alprazolam (Xanax®), diazepam (Valium®), clonazepam (Klonopin®), and lorazepam (Ativan®), depress central nervous system (CNS) activity and are used to relieve symptoms of anxiety, panic attacks, and seizures.1,2 They have been deemed safe and effective when taken as prescribed and directed. However, when combined with other drugs that depress CNS activity, such as alco...

Benzodiazepines are widely used clinically to treat anxiety and insomnia. They also induce muscle relaxation, control epileptic seizures, and can produce amnesia. Moreover, benzodiazepines are often abused after chronic clinical treatment and also for recreational purposes. Within weeks, tolerance to the pharmacological effects can develop as a sign of dependence. In vulnerable individuals with...

We describe the care for an elderly woman who was admitted to the intensive care unit (ICU) to receive noninvasive ventilation for acute exacerbation of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease. After administration of the sleeping pill zopiclone, a nonbenzodiazepine receptor agonist (NBRA), the patient became agitated and was confused, a possible paradoxical reaction to benzodiazepines. These sym...

OBJECTIVES To describe benzodiazepine and prescription opioid use by clients of drug treatment services and the sources of pharmaceuticals they use. DESIGN Structured face-to-face interviews on unsanctioned use of benzodiazepines and prescription opioids were conducted between January and July 2008. PARTICIPANTS Convenience sample of treatment entrants who reported regular (an average of ≥ ...