Key messages
- Problems arising from the use of benzodiazepines are insidious and diverse.
- Zopiclone and zolpidem have most of the same adverse effects as benzodiazepines.
- Benzodiazepines, zolpidem and zopiclone: problem use contains advice on dose reduction, risk management strategies and diazepam dose equivalents.
Problems arising from the use of benzodiazepines are insidious and diverse. These include overdose, particularly from the use of benzodiazepines together with other sedative drugs, and dependence as a result of long-term use. Zopiclone and zolpidem have most of the same adverse effects as benzodiazepines.
Prescribers may refer to Benzodiazepines, zolpidem and zopiclone: problem use for advice on dose reduction, risk management strategies and diazepam dose equivalents. This factsheet has been reproduced with permission from the Therapeutic Guidelines Ltd.
Reviewed 13 June 2023
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