Long-term use of benzodiazepines can result in a number of serious problems for the patient.
Issues involved:
(1) definition of "long term": vary from > 1 month to > 1 year with any period in between
(2) frequency of dosing: once in a while (periodic) to continuous
Complications of continuous long-term use:
(1) addiction/dependence
(2) cognitive impairment, antegrade amnesia and drowsiness
(3) hangover effect
(4) respiratory depression
(5) increased reaction time, ataxia and motor incoordination
Dependence can appear in some patients after 1 month of continuous therapy.
Over time tolerance can develop, with need for an increasing dose to achieve the intended clinical effect.
Consequence of complications:
(1) falls with fracture
(2) automobile accidents
(3) withdrawal which can last for weeks or months
(4) overdose if mixed with alcohol or other drugs
