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This is an update on the benefits and risks of benzodiazepine therapy. Findings and theories on tolerance and addiction are described with particular reference to the benzodiazepines. Most patients benefit from benzodiazepines for psychiatric and neurologic indications by means of symptom reduction and restoration of function. Benzodiazepine anxiolytics provide rapid relief. Tolerance and memory impairment can be seen with long-term treatment. Elderly agitated patients may benefit from cautious prescribing, considering the risk of falling. Benzodiazepine hypnotics ameliorate transient insomnia that otherwise cause social malfunctioning. Benzodiazepines reduce withdrawal syndromes during detoxification in inpatient care. A minority of patients with predisposing deviant personality traits and polydrug abuse are not to receive prescriptions for benzodiazepines, since they use these for nonmedical purposes.

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