Withdrawal-Induced Delirium After Switching Benzodiazepines
Author Information
Author(s): Bosshart Herbert
Primary Institution: ARUD, Group of Private Outpatient Facilities for the Treatment of Substance Use and Co-occurring Disorders
Hypothesis
Can switching from lorazepam to diazepam cause severe withdrawal symptoms in patients with benzodiazepine dependence?
Conclusion
Switching from lorazepam to diazepam can lead to severe withdrawal-induced delirium in patients, especially in the elderly with pre-existing vulnerabilities.
Supporting Evidence
- Chronic use of benzodiazepines is common in the elderly.
- Switching to diazepam may require careful management to avoid severe withdrawal symptoms.
- Delirium can occur after switching benzodiazepines, especially in vulnerable patients.
Takeaway
A woman switched from one anxiety medication to another got very confused and agitated, but felt better when she went back to her old medicine.
Methodology
Case report detailing the clinical course of a patient switched from lorazepam to diazepam.
Potential Biases
Potential biases related to the subjective assessment of withdrawal symptoms.
Limitations
The findings are based on a single case report, limiting generalizability.
Participant Demographics
64-year-old female Caucasian with major depression and substance use disorders.
Digital Object Identifier (DOI)
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