Podcast - Reflexions - S2 Ep1
Benzo : stop or go?
As part of the publication of the results of the BenzoCare and BenzoPrevent studies
This first episode of the second season of Reflexions is devoted to the issue of taking and withdrawing from benzodiazepines, drugs used to treat disorders such as anxiety and insomnia.
Discovered in 1955 by Swiss scientist Leo Sternbach, the first benzodiazepine, Librium, was marketed in 1960. Effective in treating anxiety, insomnia and certain muscle spasms, it had fewer side effects than barbiturates.
Other benzodiazepines such as Valium, Temesta and Xanax followed, and their use rapidly increased. Today, although often prescribed on a short-term basis to avoid dependence, they are the subject of debate about the effects of prolonged use.
The University of Liège and the University of Ghent have conducted recent studies (BenzoCare and BenzoPrevent) on benzodiazepine-related disorders, analyzing access to care and collecting testimonials to formulate appropriate recommendations.
What are benzodiazepines? Why are they prescribed? What are their effects on the brain? Is it difficult to get rid of them? Are there alternatives to benzodiazepines for insomnia, anxiety or epileptic seizures?
Scientific publications
- Professionals' treatment goals for long-term benzodiazepine and Z-drugs management: a qualitative study (BJGP Open, April 2024)
- From prescribing dilemma to knowledge in practice: The ontological politics of benzodiazepines and Z-drugs (Social Science & Medicine, December 2023)
About this episode
The speakers:
Pauline Van Ngoc:Occupational psychologist and researcher in the Department of General Medicine in the Primary Care and Health Research Unit at the University of Liège. Her research focuses on the management of long-term benzodiazepine users in the BENZOCARE and BenzoPrevent studies.
Jean-Luc Belche: General practitioner and lecturer in the Department of General Medicine at the University of Liège. His work focuses on the organization of the primary healthcare system, as well as benzodiazepine treatments.
Laurence: a patient who will talk about her experience of benzodiazepine use and her difficult withdrawal.
Presentation:
Julie Louis, Head of the Research Communication Unit at the Communication Service of the University of Liege
The Réflexions podcast
Guests, reflections, backgrounds and complementary views to discuss a theme and decipher the issues.
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Published on 10/25/24
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