[Benzodiazepine or non-benzodiazepine hypnotics withdrawal syndrome during hospitalization: A series of 22 cases]

Abstract

Twenty-two cases related to benzodiazepine (BZD) withdrawal syndrome were identified and reported to Amiens's regional pharmacovigilance center between January 1st, 1995 and March 25th, 2014, all with a favourable outcome after reintroduction of a BZD. Despite being a very classical well-known side effect, physicians may underestimate this risk. Our series also confirms that the patient is misinformed about the consequences of an abrupt BZD discontinuation especially when the BZD has been consumed for many years. Interviewing patient and his family on the nature of the current medical treatments should be systematic and an early diagnostic step taken by physicians faced with a recent behavioral disorder. Moreover, this would prevent unnecessary, sometimes invasive, expensive investigations and a prolonged hospitalization.

Keywords: Benzodiazepine; Benzodiazépine; Drug misuse; Erreur médicamenteuse; Medication error; Mésusage; Pharmacovigilance; Syndrome de sevrage; Withdrawal syndrome.