Reinforcement of irritability during therapy with benzodiazepines.

BACKGROUND Often, long-term treatment with benzodiazepines is a subject of discussion due to potential side effects, with dependence on benzodiazepines as the most serous one. After longer period of benzodiazepines tolerance on their anxiolytic effects develops. Discontinuation is usually beneficial as it is followed by improved psychomotor and cognitive functioning, particularly in the elderly. Previous studies confirmed occurrence of physical dependence in high percentage of patients in long term treatment with benzodiazepines at therapeutic dosages. Benzodiazepines are relatively well-tolerated medicines but can induce serious problems of addiction and that is why their use is regulated. The aim of this article is to report a case of a patient who was taking 15 tablets of oxazepam daily for a period of time, during which reinforcement of irritability occurred. CONCLUSION It is necessary to warn patients who take benzodiazepines in therapy that reinforcement of irritability may occur in case of higher dosage of benzodiazepines, which may be misinterpreted as worsening in mental condition.