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Chen J, Chen Z, Zhang Y, Fan X, Zhang C, Zhu J, Song C, Zhang S, Zhang D, Tang L, Li B, Yang W, Hu Q. Effective alleviation of depressive and anxious symptoms and sleep disorders in benzodiazepine-dependent patients through repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation. Addict Biol 2024; 29:e13425. [PMID: 39051484 PMCID: PMC11270051 DOI: 10.1111/adb.13425] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/22/2023] [Revised: 03/15/2024] [Accepted: 06/13/2024] [Indexed: 07/27/2024]
Abstract
Benzodiazepine (BZD) dependence poses a significant challenge in mental health, prompting the exploration of treatments like repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation (rTMS). This research aims to assess the impact of rTMS on alleviating symptoms of BZD dependence. A randomized control trial was employed to study 40 BZD-dependent inpatients. Their symptoms were quantified using the Hamilton Anxiety Rating Scale (HAMA), Montgomery-Åsberg Depression Rating Scale (MADRS) and Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index (PSQI). Participants were divided into a conventional treatment group (daily diazepam with gradual tapering) with supportive psychotherapy and another group receiving the same treatment supplemented with rTMS (five weekly sessions for 2 weeks). Significant improvements were observed in both groups over baseline in MADRS, HAMA and PSQI scores at the 2nd, 4th, 8th and 12th week assessments (p < 0.05). The group receiving rTMS in addition to conventional treatment exhibited superior improvements in all measures at the 8th and 12th weeks. The addition of rTMS to conventional treatment methods for BZD dependence significantly betters the recovery in terms of depression, anxiety and sleep quality, highlighting the role of rTMS as an effective adjunct therapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jinbo Chen
- Department of PsychiatryZhenjiang Mental Health CenterZhenjiangChina
| | - Zixuan Chen
- Department of PsychiatryZhenjiang Mental Health CenterZhenjiangChina
| | - Yanli Zhang
- Department of PsychiatryZhenjiang Mental Health CenterZhenjiangChina
| | - Xiaohe Fan
- Department of PsychiatryHongqi Hospital Affiliated to Mudanjiang Medical UniversityMudanjiangChina
| | - Changchun Zhang
- Department of PsychiatryZhenjiang Mental Health CenterZhenjiangChina
| | - Jun Zhu
- Department of PsychiatryZhenjiang Mental Health CenterZhenjiangChina
| | - Chuanfu Song
- Department of PsychiatryThe Fourth People's Hospital of WuhuWuhuChina
| | | | - Danwei Zhang
- Department of PsychiatryZhenjiang Mental Health CenterZhenjiangChina
| | - Lijuan Tang
- Department of PsychiatryZhenjiang Mental Health CenterZhenjiangChina
| | - Benhan Li
- Department of PsychiatryZhenjiang Mental Health CenterZhenjiangChina
| | - Weibian Yang
- Department of PsychiatryHongqi Hospital Affiliated to Mudanjiang Medical UniversityMudanjiangChina
| | - Qiang Hu
- Department of PsychiatryZhenjiang Mental Health CenterZhenjiangChina
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2
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Vivek K, Karagozlu Z, Erridge S, Holvey C, Coomber R, Rucker JJ, Weatherall MW, Sodergren MH. UK Medical Cannabis Registry: Assessment of clinical outcomes in patients with insomnia. Brain Behav 2024; 14:e3410. [PMID: 38337193 PMCID: PMC10858318 DOI: 10.1002/brb3.3410] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/09/2023] [Revised: 10/04/2023] [Accepted: 01/09/2024] [Indexed: 02/12/2024] Open
Abstract
INTRODUCTION The primary aim of this study was to assess changes in sleep-specific health-related quality of life (HRQoL) for those prescribed cannabis-based medicinal products (CBMPs) for insomnia. METHODS A case series of UK patients with insomnia was analyzed. Primary outcomes were changes in the Single-Item Sleep-Quality Scale (SQS), Generalized Anxiety Disorder-7 (GAD-7), and EQ-5D-5L at up to 6 months from baseline. Statistical significance was identified as a p value < .050. RESULTS 61 patients were included in the analysis. There was an improvement in the SQS from baseline at 1, 3, and 6 months (p < .001). There were also improvements in the EQ-5D-5L Index value and GAD-7 at 1, 3, and 6 months (p < .050). There were 28 (45.9%) adverse events recorded by 8 patients (13.1%). There were no life-threatening/disabling adverse events. CONCLUSION Patients with insomnia experienced an improvement in sleep quality following the initiation of CBMPs in this medium-term analysis. Fewer than 15% of participants reported one or more adverse events. However, due to the limitations of the study design, further investigation is required before definitive conclusions can be drawn on the efficacy of CBMPs in treating insomnia.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kavyesh Vivek
- Imperial College Medical Cannabis Research Group, Department of Surgery and CancerImperial College LondonLondonUK
| | - Zekiye Karagozlu
- Imperial College Medical Cannabis Research Group, Department of Surgery and CancerImperial College LondonLondonUK
| | - Simon Erridge
- Imperial College Medical Cannabis Research Group, Department of Surgery and CancerImperial College LondonLondonUK
- Department of MedicineCuraleaf ClinicLondonUK
| | - Carl Holvey
- Department of MedicineCuraleaf ClinicLondonUK
| | - Ross Coomber
- Department of MedicineCuraleaf ClinicLondonUK
- Department of Trauma and OrthopaedicsSt. George's Hospital NHS TrustLondonUK
| | - James J. Rucker
- Department of MedicineCuraleaf ClinicLondonUK
- Department of Psychological MedicineKings College LondonLondonUK
- National and Specialist Tertiary Referrals Affective Disorders ServiceSouth London & Maudsley NHS Foundation TrustLondonUK
| | - Mark W. Weatherall
- Department of MedicineCuraleaf ClinicLondonUK
- Department of NeurologyBuckinghamshire Healthcare NHS TrustAmershamUK
| | - Mikael H Sodergren
- Imperial College Medical Cannabis Research Group, Department of Surgery and CancerImperial College LondonLondonUK
- Department of MedicineCuraleaf ClinicLondonUK
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3
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Zamboni L, Portoghese I, Casari R, Fusina F, Santin L, Lecca LI, Campagnari S, Carli S, Zandonai T, Lugoboni F. High-dose benzodiazepine use and QTc interval prolongation, a latent class analysis study. Sci Rep 2024; 14:155. [PMID: 38168538 PMCID: PMC10762262 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-023-50489-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/13/2023] [Accepted: 12/20/2023] [Indexed: 01/05/2024] Open
Abstract
Benzodiazepine (BDZ) addiction is a widespread and multifaceted phenomenon. For many patients, especially females, the concomitant use of other drugs also increases their risk of QTc prolongation, possibly leading to complications such as seizures and even sudden death. However, the relationship between BDZ use and QTc prolongation is currently unclear. The present study aims to examine patterns of polysubstance use among a sample of Italian adults with BDZ dependence in relation with their QTc prolongation risk. We used Latent Class Analysis (LCA) on data collected from 251 inpatients of the Addiction Medicine Unit in Verona to group patients into three classes according to their substance use and their QTc prolongation risk. Results showed no significant relationship between QTc prolongation and BDZ use in any of the classes considered. We conclude that BDZs, even if used long-term and at high dosages, can be considered safe in terms of cardiovascular complications for patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lorenzo Zamboni
- Unit of Addiction Medicine, Department of Internal Medicine, G.B. Rossi Hospital, Verona, Italy.
- Department of Neuroscience, Biomedicine and Movement, University of Verona, Verona, Italy.
| | - Igor Portoghese
- Dipartimento di Scienze Mediche e Sanità Pubblica, Università degli Studi di Cagliari, Cagliari , Italy
| | - Rebecca Casari
- Unit of Addiction Medicine, Department of Internal Medicine, G.B. Rossi Hospital, Verona, Italy
| | - Francesca Fusina
- Department of General Psychology, University of Padova, Padua, Italy
| | - Laura Santin
- Unit of Addiction Medicine, Department of Internal Medicine, G.B. Rossi Hospital, Verona, Italy
| | - Luigi Isaia Lecca
- Dipartimento di Scienze Mediche e Sanità Pubblica, Università degli Studi di Cagliari, Cagliari , Italy
| | - Simone Campagnari
- Unit of Addiction Medicine, Department of Internal Medicine, G.B. Rossi Hospital, Verona, Italy
| | - Silvia Carli
- Unit of Addiction Medicine, Department of Internal Medicine, G.B. Rossi Hospital, Verona, Italy
| | - Thomas Zandonai
- Department of Pharmacology, Paediatrics and Organic Chemistry, Miguel Hernández University of Elche, Elche, Spain
- Addiction Science Lab at the Department of Psychology and Cognitive Science , University of Trento, Trento, Italy
| | - Fabio Lugoboni
- Unit of Addiction Medicine, Department of Internal Medicine, G.B. Rossi Hospital, Verona, Italy
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4
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Soyka M, Wild I, Caulet B, Leontiou C, Lugoboni F, Hajak G. Long-term use of benzodiazepines in chronic insomnia: a European perspective. Front Psychiatry 2023; 14:1212028. [PMID: 37599882 PMCID: PMC10433200 DOI: 10.3389/fpsyt.2023.1212028] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/25/2023] [Accepted: 07/20/2023] [Indexed: 08/22/2023] Open
Abstract
Chronic insomnia occurs in ~10% of the general population and has numerous negative health effects. The recommended first line treatment of cognitive behavior therapy for insomnia is not widely available for patients in Europe, so pharmacotherapies such as benzodiazepine receptor agonist agents (benzodiazepines and Z-drugs) are commonly used. However, their use is only recommended for ≤4 weeks due to unproven long-term efficacy in treatment of chronic insomnia, and the risk of tolerance, and the potential for dependence and misuse. In Europe, recommendations limiting the use of benzodiazepines (lowest dose and shortest duration) in chronic insomnia are not always followed, likely due to the lack of approved effective alternative therapies. Here we present a recent pilot survey of the pharmacological treatment landscape in chronic insomnia in five European countries (France, Germany, Italy, Spain, and the United Kingdom) and physicians' attitude toward treatment. The results suggest that benzodiazepines and Z-drugs are the most widely used treatments in chronic insomnia and are being used for longer than their recommended duration. Country variations in prescription rates were observed. Due to the known association between long-term benzodiazepine use and potential for developing dependence, further analysis of the literature was performed on the use and misuse of benzodiazepines. The results show that long-term use of benzodiazepines is associated with multiple consequences of treatment, including dependence, but also that previous use of benzodiazepines may increase the risk of opioid use disorder.
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Affiliation(s)
- Michael Soyka
- Department of Psychiatry and Psychotherapy, Ludwig Maximilian University, Munich, Germany
| | - Imane Wild
- Idorsia Pharmaceuticals Ltd., Allschwil, Switzerland
| | | | | | - Fabio Lugoboni
- Department of Internal Medicine, Addiction Unit, Verona University Hospital, Verona, Italy
| | - Göran Hajak
- University of Regensburg, Regensburg, Germany
- Department of Psychiatry, Psychosomatic Medicine and Psychotherapy, Social Foundation Bamberg, Teaching Hospital of the University of Erlangen, Bamberg, Germany
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5
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Meyer M, Gygli F, Westenberg JN, Schmid O, Strasser J, Lang UE, Dürsteler KM, Vogel M. Benzodiazepine use, quality of life and psychiatric symptom burden in oral and injectable opioid agonist treatment: a cross-sectional study. Addict Sci Clin Pract 2023; 18:43. [PMID: 37464432 PMCID: PMC10354905 DOI: 10.1186/s13722-023-00397-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/07/2023] [Accepted: 07/10/2023] [Indexed: 07/20/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Use of benzodiazepines (BZD) in patients receiving opioid agonist treatment (OAT) is common and associated with a variety of negative health and social outcomes. This cross-sectional study investigates the impact of BZD use in OAT patients on their quality of life (QoL). METHODS A convenience sample of patients receiving oral OAT or heroin-assisted treatment in two outpatient centres in Basel, Switzerland was investigated. Participants (n = 141) completed self-report questionnaires on psychiatric symptoms and psychological distress (The Symptom Checklist 27, SCL-27), depressive state (German version of the Center for Epidemiological Studies Depression Scale), quality of life (Lancashire Quality of Life Profile, LQOLP) and use of BZD and other drugs (self-report questionnaire). Substance use was assessed by urine toxicology testing. RESULTS In bivariate analysis, total QoL scores were significantly lower for lifetime, current, and prolonged BZD users compared to participants without the respective use patterns. There was no significant relationship between BZD dose and QoL. In multivariable linear regression models controlling for psychiatric symptom load and depressive state, only lifetime use predicted lower QoL, whereas other BZD use patterns were not significantly associated. CONCLUSIONS The association of lower QoL and BZD use in OAT patients is strongly confounded by co-occurring depressive state and psychiatric symptoms. Careful diagnosis and treatment of co-occurring mental disorders in OAT is paramount to improve QoL in this patient population and may also help reduce BZD use.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maximilian Meyer
- University of Basel Psychiatric Clinics, University of Basel, Wilhelm Klein-Strasse 27, 4002, Basel, Switzerland.
| | - Ferdinand Gygli
- University of Basel Psychiatric Clinics, University of Basel, Wilhelm Klein-Strasse 27, 4002, Basel, Switzerland
- Cantonal Hospital Baden, Baden, Switzerland
| | - Jean N Westenberg
- University of Basel Psychiatric Clinics, University of Basel, Wilhelm Klein-Strasse 27, 4002, Basel, Switzerland
| | - Otto Schmid
- University of Basel Psychiatric Clinics, University of Basel, Wilhelm Klein-Strasse 27, 4002, Basel, Switzerland
| | - Johannes Strasser
- University of Basel Psychiatric Clinics, University of Basel, Wilhelm Klein-Strasse 27, 4002, Basel, Switzerland
| | - Undine E Lang
- University of Basel Psychiatric Clinics, University of Basel, Wilhelm Klein-Strasse 27, 4002, Basel, Switzerland
| | - Kenneth M Dürsteler
- University of Basel Psychiatric Clinics, University of Basel, Wilhelm Klein-Strasse 27, 4002, Basel, Switzerland
- Department for Psychiatry, Psychotherapy and Psychosomatic, Psychiatric Hospital, University of Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Marc Vogel
- University of Basel Psychiatric Clinics, University of Basel, Wilhelm Klein-Strasse 27, 4002, Basel, Switzerland
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Timko C, Hoggatt KJ, Esmaeili A, Lewis E, Lor MC, Maust DT, Nevedal AL. Long-Term Benzodiazepine Use and Discontinuation Among Patients in the U.S. Veterans Health Administration. Psychiatr Serv 2022; 73:1217-1224. [PMID: 35502517 DOI: 10.1176/appi.ps.202100617] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE Although long-term benzodiazepine use is not recommended, patients are often prescribed benzodiazepines for >30 days (long-term use). Data from the Veterans Health Administration (VHA) may inform efforts to discontinue such use. This study sought to describe benzodiazepine use and discontinuation among VHA patients and compared patients who continued and discontinued use. METHODS The study used nationwide electronic health record data for all VHA-enrolled patients (age ≥18) from fiscal year (FY) 2019 (N=6,032,613). The primary outcome, benzodiazepine discontinuation, was defined as no prescription refill for 120 days. RESULTS In FY2019, 3.5% of VHA enrollees were prescribed benzodiazepines for >30 days, which was 72.0% of those prescribed benzodiazepines. One-third of veterans prescribed long-term benzodiazepines discontinued use. Continuation was more likely among patients who were older, not Black, taking benzodiazepines longer, and taking higher doses. When demographic factors were controlled, patients who continued long-term use were more likely to have a diagnosis of anxiety, posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD), bipolar disorder, or psychosis and less likely to have depression or an alcohol or drug use disorder. Continuation was associated with a lower likelihood of sleep and cardiopulmonary disorders and of dementia. CONCLUSIONS Higher discontinuation prevalence among patients with substance use disorders, dementia, or cardiopulmonary disorders is encouraging. However, the challenge remains of discontinuing long-term use among patients who are White, older, or diagnosed as having anxiety, PTSD, bipolar disorder, or psychosis. There is a need to identify provider, patient, and contextual factors driving long-term benzodiazepine use in these patient groups to effectively apply evidence-based discontinuation strategies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Christine Timko
- Center for Innovation to Implementation (Timko, Lor, Nevedal) and Program Evaluation and Resource Center (Lewis), Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) Palo Alto Health Care System, Menlo Park, California; Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, California (Timko); San Francisco VA Medical Center and Division of General Internal Medicine, Department of Medicine, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco (Hoggatt); VA Health Economics Resource Center, Menlo Park, California (Esmaeili); Department of Psychiatry, University of Michigan, and Center for Clinical Management Research, VA Ann Arbor Healthcare System, Ann Arbor (Maust)
| | - Katherine J Hoggatt
- Center for Innovation to Implementation (Timko, Lor, Nevedal) and Program Evaluation and Resource Center (Lewis), Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) Palo Alto Health Care System, Menlo Park, California; Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, California (Timko); San Francisco VA Medical Center and Division of General Internal Medicine, Department of Medicine, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco (Hoggatt); VA Health Economics Resource Center, Menlo Park, California (Esmaeili); Department of Psychiatry, University of Michigan, and Center for Clinical Management Research, VA Ann Arbor Healthcare System, Ann Arbor (Maust)
| | - Aryan Esmaeili
- Center for Innovation to Implementation (Timko, Lor, Nevedal) and Program Evaluation and Resource Center (Lewis), Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) Palo Alto Health Care System, Menlo Park, California; Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, California (Timko); San Francisco VA Medical Center and Division of General Internal Medicine, Department of Medicine, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco (Hoggatt); VA Health Economics Resource Center, Menlo Park, California (Esmaeili); Department of Psychiatry, University of Michigan, and Center for Clinical Management Research, VA Ann Arbor Healthcare System, Ann Arbor (Maust)
| | - Eleanor Lewis
- Center for Innovation to Implementation (Timko, Lor, Nevedal) and Program Evaluation and Resource Center (Lewis), Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) Palo Alto Health Care System, Menlo Park, California; Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, California (Timko); San Francisco VA Medical Center and Division of General Internal Medicine, Department of Medicine, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco (Hoggatt); VA Health Economics Resource Center, Menlo Park, California (Esmaeili); Department of Psychiatry, University of Michigan, and Center for Clinical Management Research, VA Ann Arbor Healthcare System, Ann Arbor (Maust)
| | - Mai Chee Lor
- Center for Innovation to Implementation (Timko, Lor, Nevedal) and Program Evaluation and Resource Center (Lewis), Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) Palo Alto Health Care System, Menlo Park, California; Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, California (Timko); San Francisco VA Medical Center and Division of General Internal Medicine, Department of Medicine, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco (Hoggatt); VA Health Economics Resource Center, Menlo Park, California (Esmaeili); Department of Psychiatry, University of Michigan, and Center for Clinical Management Research, VA Ann Arbor Healthcare System, Ann Arbor (Maust)
| | - Donovan T Maust
- Center for Innovation to Implementation (Timko, Lor, Nevedal) and Program Evaluation and Resource Center (Lewis), Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) Palo Alto Health Care System, Menlo Park, California; Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, California (Timko); San Francisco VA Medical Center and Division of General Internal Medicine, Department of Medicine, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco (Hoggatt); VA Health Economics Resource Center, Menlo Park, California (Esmaeili); Department of Psychiatry, University of Michigan, and Center for Clinical Management Research, VA Ann Arbor Healthcare System, Ann Arbor (Maust)
| | - Andrea L Nevedal
- Center for Innovation to Implementation (Timko, Lor, Nevedal) and Program Evaluation and Resource Center (Lewis), Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) Palo Alto Health Care System, Menlo Park, California; Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, California (Timko); San Francisco VA Medical Center and Division of General Internal Medicine, Department of Medicine, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco (Hoggatt); VA Health Economics Resource Center, Menlo Park, California (Esmaeili); Department of Psychiatry, University of Michigan, and Center for Clinical Management Research, VA Ann Arbor Healthcare System, Ann Arbor (Maust)
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Zamboni L, Toldo S, Fusina F, Mattiello M, Mannari V, Campagnari S, Schiavone V, Congiu A, Verlato G, Chiamulera C, Lugoboni F. Study protocol-Evoked craving in high-dose benzodiazepine users. Front Psychiatry 2022; 13:956892. [PMID: 36311534 PMCID: PMC9608779 DOI: 10.3389/fpsyt.2022.956892] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/30/2022] [Accepted: 09/12/2022] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Benzodiazepine (BDZ) abuse, especially concerning high doses of BDZs, is an impairing substance use disorder (SUD) that is often difficult to treat. Craving and cue reactivity (CR) are two important phenomena that have a prominent role in maintaining addiction and triggering relapses in BDZ abuse; nevertheless, they have rarely been addressed in scientific literature. The present study aims to fill these gaps by implementing a highly innovative virtual reality (VR) design to assess the impact of substance-related environmental cues on BDZ craving, as well as their influence on patients' affective states. Therefore, on one hand, this research will contribute to the assessment of VR feasibility in the study of these phenomena, and, on the other, it will help disentangle the role that CR and craving have on mood and attention, which are equally important factors to consider when treating SUDs. We will recruit a healthy control group and a patient group comprising people seeking treatment for BDZ detoxification. The experimental design will consist of the presentation of three VR scenarios, one neutral, one BDZ-related but without BDZ cues, and another with BDZ cues. The craving will be measured through a virtual analog scale (VAS); the Profile of Mood States (POMS) and Alcohol Attention Scale (AAS) questionnaires in a modified version will also be administered. We will additionally control for VR-induced feelings of sickness by administering the Simulator Sickness Questionnaire (SSQ), and the Presence Questionnaire (PQ) will be used to investigate participants' sense of presence in virtual environments. We expect patients to exhibit higher levels of craving, and that the craving will be higher after exposure to a cue-related virtual environment as compared to a neutral scenario.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lorenzo Zamboni
- Unit of Addiction Medicine, Department of Internal Medicine, Integrated University Hospital of Verona, Policlinico "G.B. Rossi", Verona, Italy.,Department of Neurosciences, University of Verona, Verona, Italy
| | - Silvia Toldo
- Department of Diagnostics and Public Health, University of Verona, Verona, Italy
| | - Francesca Fusina
- Padova Neuroscience Center, University of Padua, Padua, Italy.,Department of General Psychology, University of Padua, Padua, Italy
| | - Matteo Mattiello
- Unit of Addiction Medicine, Department of Internal Medicine, Integrated University Hospital of Verona, Policlinico "G.B. Rossi", Verona, Italy.,Department of Diagnostics and Public Health, University of Verona, Verona, Italy
| | - Vanessa Mannari
- Department of Diagnostics and Public Health, University of Verona, Verona, Italy
| | - Simone Campagnari
- Unit of Addiction Medicine, Department of Internal Medicine, Integrated University Hospital of Verona, Policlinico "G.B. Rossi", Verona, Italy
| | - Valentina Schiavone
- Department of Diagnostics and Public Health, University of Verona, Verona, Italy
| | - Alessio Congiu
- Unit of Addiction Medicine, Department of Internal Medicine, Integrated University Hospital of Verona, Policlinico "G.B. Rossi", Verona, Italy
| | - Giuseppe Verlato
- Diagnostics and Public Health-Unit of Epidemiology and Medical Statistics, University of Verona, Verona, Italy
| | - Cristiano Chiamulera
- Department of Diagnostics and Public Health, University of Verona, Verona, Italy
| | - Fabio Lugoboni
- Unit of Addiction Medicine, Department of Internal Medicine, Integrated University Hospital of Verona, Policlinico "G.B. Rossi", Verona, Italy
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8
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Zandonai T, Peiró AM, Fusina F, Lugoboni F, Zamboni L. Benzodiazepines in sport, an underestimated problem: Recommendations for sports medicine physicians' practice. Front Psychiatry 2022; 13:1066330. [PMID: 36620691 PMCID: PMC9810623 DOI: 10.3389/fpsyt.2022.1066330] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/11/2022] [Accepted: 11/30/2022] [Indexed: 12/24/2022] Open
Abstract
In the last years, only few studies in literature have focused on the use and abuse of benzodiazepines (BZDs) in sport. Benzodiazepine-related problems include misuse, addiction, driving impairments, and morbidity and mortality related to overdose and withdrawal. Two clinical cases regarding elite endurance athletes evidenced that they had started to use BZDs to counteract insomnia, to recover faster from training sessions and to manage muscle pain. One of the important points that emerged from their stories was that their sports doctors did not recognize the drugs' addictive properties, and did not intervene to gradually reduce the dosage. Experts have previously provided recommendations for BZD therapy management in clinical practice. In this article, we would like to address sports medicine physicians specifically and provide guidelines to help them manage situations involving BZD prescription, the recognition of addiction, and intervention strategies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Thomas Zandonai
- Department of Pharmacology, Paediatrics and Organic Chemistry, Miguel Hernández University of Elche, Alicante, Spain.,Neuropharmacology on Pain and Functional Diversity, Institute of Health and Biomedical Research of Alicante (Instituto de Investigación Sanitaria y Biomédica de Alicante), Alicante, Spain.,Department of Social and Developmental Psychology, Sapienza University of Rome, Rome, Italy
| | - Ana María Peiró
- Department of Pharmacology, Paediatrics and Organic Chemistry, Miguel Hernández University of Elche, Alicante, Spain.,Neuropharmacology on Pain and Functional Diversity, Institute of Health and Biomedical Research of Alicante (Instituto de Investigación Sanitaria y Biomédica de Alicante), Alicante, Spain.,Pain Unit, Department of Health of Alicante, University General Hospital, Alicante, Spain.,Clinical Pharmacology Unit, Department of Health of Alicante, University General Hospital, Alicante, Spain
| | - Francesca Fusina
- Padova Neuroscience Center, University of Padova, Padua, Italy.,Department of General Psychology, University of Padova, Padua, Italy
| | - Fabio Lugoboni
- Unit of Addiction Medicine, Department of Internal Medicine, Integrated University Hospital of Verona, Policlinico "G.B. Rossi", Verona, Italy
| | - Lorenzo Zamboni
- Unit of Addiction Medicine, Department of Internal Medicine, Integrated University Hospital of Verona, Policlinico "G.B. Rossi", Verona, Italy
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9
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Zamboni L, Portoghese I, Congiu A, Zandonai T, Casari R, Fusina F, Bertoldi A, Lugoboni F. Polysubstance Use Patterns Among High Dose Benzodiazepine Users: A Latent Class Analysis and Differences Between Male and Female Use. Front Psychiatry 2022; 13:811130. [PMID: 35145442 PMCID: PMC8821140 DOI: 10.3389/fpsyt.2022.811130] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/08/2021] [Accepted: 01/03/2022] [Indexed: 11/23/2022] Open
Abstract
Benzodiazepines (BZDs) represent one of the most widely used groups of pharmaceuticals, but if used for long periods of time they are associated with dependence and an increased risk of harmful effects. High-dose (HD) BZD dependence is a specific substance use disorder associated with a poor quality of life. It is especially important to pinpoint differences in HD BZD addict subgroups in order to tailor treatment to the individual's specific needs, also considering possible comorbidities with other substance use disorders. We conducted a study to evaluate HD BZD dependence (converted doses to diazepam equivalents, mg) in an Italian sample of 1,354 participants. We also investigated if and to which extent participants co-used other substances (alcohol, tobacco, cannabis/cannabinoids, cocaine, and heroin). We then performed latent class analysis (LCA) to identify the use patterns of these substances, finding three classes: participants in Class 1 (4.3% of the sample) had the highest probability of also using cocaine and alcohol (Polysubstance BZD users); Class 2 comprised subjects with the highest probability of being former heroin, cocaine, THC, and alcohol users (Former polysubstance BZD users); Class 3 represented mono-dependence BZD users (78.5% of the sample) and was the most prevalent among women, while young men were most prevalent in Class 1. The present study underlines different characteristics in HD BZD users both concerning other addictions and sex, and also highlights the need for a stricter control of BZD use, ranging from prescriptions to sales.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lorenzo Zamboni
- Unit of Addiction Medicine, Department of Internal Medicine, Integrated University Hospital of Verona, Policlinico "G.B. Rossi", Verona, Italy.,Department of Neurosciences, University of Verona, Verona, Italy
| | - Igor Portoghese
- Department of Medical Sciences and Public Health, University of Cagliari, Cagliari, Italy
| | - Alessio Congiu
- Unit of Addiction Medicine, Department of Internal Medicine, Integrated University Hospital of Verona, Policlinico "G.B. Rossi", Verona, Italy
| | - Thomas Zandonai
- Department of Sport Sciences, Sports Research Centre, Miguel Hernández University, Elche, Spain.,Neuropharmacology on Pain and Functional Diversity (NED), Institute of Health and Biomedical Research of Alicante (ISABIAL), Alicante, Spain
| | - Rebecca Casari
- Unit of Addiction Medicine, Department of Internal Medicine, Integrated University Hospital of Verona, Policlinico "G.B. Rossi", Verona, Italy
| | - Francesca Fusina
- Padova Neuroscience Center, University of Padova, Padova, Italy.,Department of General Psychology, University of Padova, Padova, Italy
| | - Anna Bertoldi
- Unit of Addiction Medicine, Department of Internal Medicine, Integrated University Hospital of Verona, Policlinico "G.B. Rossi", Verona, Italy
| | - Fabio Lugoboni
- Unit of Addiction Medicine, Department of Internal Medicine, Integrated University Hospital of Verona, Policlinico "G.B. Rossi", Verona, Italy
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10
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Cloos JM, Lim Cow CYS, Bocquet V. Benzodiazepine high-doses: The need for an accurate definition. Int J Methods Psychiatr Res 2021; 30:e1888. [PMID: 34331787 PMCID: PMC8633930 DOI: 10.1002/mpr.1888] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/25/2021] [Revised: 07/02/2021] [Accepted: 07/14/2021] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVES A clear definition of what we understand of high-dose misuse or of a 'markedly increased dose' (as stated by the DSM-5) is important and past definitions may be inadequate. The aim of this review is to describe the different definitions used and to test these definitions for their accuracy. METHODS A narrative PubMed literature review was conducted based on articles published between 1 January 1990 and 31 December 2020 describing benzodiazepines (in MeSH Terms or MeSH Major Topic) and high-dose (or high-dosage). Specific definitions were applied to a population sample to show how definitions affect high-dose benzodiazepine prevalence. RESULTS Multiples of an equivalent-diazepam dose or of the World Health Organization 'defined daily dosage' were used more frequently than the overstep of the recommended maximum therapeutic dosage as a cut-off point. CONCLUSION High-dose use is rare but the prevalence in the general population varies among studies, mainly due to different definitions, making both clinical and epidemiological comparisons between studies difficult. Defining a high-dose user as a person who takes at least a higher dose than the maximum usual therapeutic dose over a defined period of time therefore appears to be clinically more consistent.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jean-Marc Cloos
- Department of Psychiatry, Hôpitaux Robert Schuman, Luxembourg, Luxembourg
| | | | - Valéry Bocquet
- Department of Public Health, Competence Centre in Methodology and Statistics, Luxembourg Institute of Health, Luxembourg.,Unité de Soutien Méthodologique, CHU La Réunion, Saint-Denis, France
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11
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Morbioli L, Lugoboni F. High-dose benzodiazepine dependence among health-care professionals: A neglected phenomenon. MEDICINE, SCIENCE, AND THE LAW 2021; 61:42-45. [PMID: 33591879 DOI: 10.1177/0025802420928650] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/12/2023]
Abstract
Chronic use of benzodiazepines (BDZs) is a widespread phenomenon which can lead to side effects such as tolerance, dependence and cognitive impairment, as well as resulting in accidents at work. High-dose BDZ dependence (HD-BDZ) is little studied, and it is mainly attributed to major psychiatric disorders and polydrug abuse. To date, few studies have investigated HD-BDZ among active workers, with none among health-care professionals (HPs). Tapering from high doses of BDZs can cause severe withdrawal symptoms, including seizures. The Addiction Unit of the University Hospital in Verona uses a protocol based on flumazenil slow infusion (FLU-SI), the safest and most effective treatment for HD-BDZ. Since 2003, 1281 patients have been detoxified from long-term use of high doses of BDZ using FLU-SI. The sample includes 139 (10.8%) HPs. Mean daily doses were 336 mg diazepam equivalent among HPs and 365 mg diazepam equivalent among non-HPs (no statistically significant difference). HPs are at higher risk of sleep disorders and work-related stress. Most of these HPs experience difficulties at work due to cognitive impairment, but they are often afraid of the potential legal implications and too ashamed to ask for help. It is important to study the prevalence of HD-BDZ among HPs and to investigate the impact on their working skills and working eligibility.
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Affiliation(s)
- Laura Morbioli
- Integrated University Hospital of Verona, Addiction Unit, Italy
| | - Fabio Lugoboni
- Integrated University Hospital of Verona, Addiction Unit, Italy
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12
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Benini A, Gottardo R, Chiamulera C, Bertoldi A, Zamboni L, Lugoboni F. Continuous Infusion of Flumazenil in the Management of Benzodiazepines Detoxification. Front Psychiatry 2021; 12:646038. [PMID: 33815177 PMCID: PMC8012511 DOI: 10.3389/fpsyt.2021.646038] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/24/2020] [Accepted: 02/15/2021] [Indexed: 11/24/2022] Open
Abstract
An effective approach in the treatment of benzodiazepine (BZD) overdosing and detoxification is flumazenil (FLU). Studies in chronic users who discontinued BZD in a clinical setting suggested that multiple slow bolus infusions of FLU reduce BZD withdrawal symptoms. The aim of this study was to confirm FLU efficacy for reducing BZD withdrawal syndrome by means of continuous elastomeric infusion, correlated to drugs plasma level and patients' compliance. Methods: Seven-day FLU 1 mg/day subcutaneously injected through an elastomeric pump and BZDs lormetazepam, clonazepam, and lorazepam were assessed by HPLC-MS/MS in serum of patients before and after 4 and 7 days of FLU continuous infusion treatment. Changes in withdrawal severity were assessed by using the BZD Withdrawal Scale (BWS). Results: Fourteen patients (mean age ± SD 42.5 ± 8.0 years, 5 male and 9 female), admitted to the hospital for high-dose BZD detoxification, were enrolled in the study. Serum FLU concentrations significantly decreased from 0.54 ± 0.33 ng/ml (mean ± SD) after 4 days of treatment to 0.1 ± 0.2 ng/ml at the end of infusion. Lormetazepam concentrations were 502.5 ± 610.0 ng/ml at hospital admission, 26.2 ± 26.8 ng/ml after 4 days, and 0 at the end of treatment. BWS values decreased during FLU treatment temporal period. FLU was well-tolerated by patients. Conclusions: Elastomeric FLU infusion for BZD detoxification is a feasible administration device to maintain adequate, constant, and tolerated FLU concentrations for reducing BZD withdrawal symptoms.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anna Benini
- Department of Diagnostics and Public Health, University of Verona, Verona, Italy
| | - Rossella Gottardo
- Forensic Toxicology Laboratory, Department of Diagnostics and Public Health, University of Verona, Verona, Italy
| | - Cristiano Chiamulera
- Department of Diagnostics and Public Health, University of Verona, Verona, Italy
| | - Anna Bertoldi
- Department of Internal Medicine, Addiction Unit, Verona University Hospital, Verona, Italy
| | - Lorenzo Zamboni
- Department of Internal Medicine, Addiction Unit, Verona University Hospital, Verona, Italy
| | - Fabio Lugoboni
- Department of Internal Medicine, Addiction Unit, Verona University Hospital, Verona, Italy
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13
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Federico A, Mantovani E, Casari R, Bertoldi A, Lugoboni F, Tamburin S. Adult attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder symptoms, cognitive dysfunction and quality of life in high-dose use of benzodiazepine and Z-drug. J Neural Transm (Vienna) 2020; 128:1109-1119. [PMID: 33331955 PMCID: PMC8295124 DOI: 10.1007/s00702-020-02285-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/27/2020] [Accepted: 11/30/2020] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
High-dose use of benzodiazepines (BZDs) and Z-drugs was found to be associated with adult attention deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) and multidomain cognitive deficits, but the interplay between these factors and its effect on quality of life (QoL) is unclear. We explored (a) whether cognitive dysfunction differs in high-dose BZD/Z-drug users with and without adult ADHD and (b) the impact of cognitive deficits and adult ADHD on QoL in this substance-use disorder (SUD). From January 2015 to December 2019, we recruited 207 high-dose BZD/Z-drug users seeking treatment. We assessed the presence of adult ADHD with a screening tool, which was validated in SUD patients, and collected demographic, clinical and QoL data from the 76 included patients. A neuropsychological battery explored five cognitive domains. We found that: (a) screening for adult ADHD was frequently positive; (b) Short Form-36 (SF-36), a self-administered QoL questionnaire, was worse than the general population and worse in patients positive (ADHD+) vs. those negative (ADHD−) to ADHD screening tool; (c) executive function was significantly worse in ADHD+ than ADHD− patients; (d) some SF-36 dimensions were negatively influenced by executive dysfunction; (e) multivariate analysis showed an interplay between adult ADHD and cognitive dysfunction in worsening QoL. We documented a complex interplay between adult ADHD, cognitive dysfunction and QoL in high-dose BZD/Z-drug users. Assessing adult ADHD, neuropsychological measures and QoL may offer a full scenario of these patients, who are frequently impaired in everyday activities. Future research should explore whether pharmacological treatment might improve cognitive dysfunction and QoL in this SUD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Angela Federico
- Department of Neurosciences, Biomedicine and Movement Sciences, University of Verona, Piazzale Scuro 10, 37134, Verona, Italy
| | - Elisa Mantovani
- Department of Neurosciences, Biomedicine and Movement Sciences, University of Verona, Piazzale Scuro 10, 37134, Verona, Italy
| | - Rebecca Casari
- Addiction Medicine Unit, Department of Medicine, Verona University Hospital, Piazzale Scuro 10, Verona, Italy
| | - Anna Bertoldi
- Addiction Medicine Unit, Department of Medicine, Verona University Hospital, Piazzale Scuro 10, Verona, Italy
| | - Fabio Lugoboni
- Addiction Medicine Unit, Department of Medicine, Verona University Hospital, Piazzale Scuro 10, Verona, Italy
| | - Stefano Tamburin
- Department of Neurosciences, Biomedicine and Movement Sciences, University of Verona, Piazzale Scuro 10, 37134, Verona, Italy.
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14
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Ozone M, Shimazaki H, Ichikawa H, Shigeta M. Efficacy of yokukansan compared with clonazepam for rapid eye movement sleep behaviour disorder: a preliminary retrospective study. Psychogeriatrics 2020; 20:681-690. [PMID: 32478914 DOI: 10.1111/psyg.12563] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/05/2019] [Revised: 04/10/2020] [Accepted: 04/24/2020] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
AIM Rapid eye movement sleep behaviour disorder (RBD) is characterized by abnormal behaviours accordant with nightmares during rapid eye movement sleep and is considered a prodromal marker of dementia with Lewy body. Most common in the elderly population, RBD is generally treated with clonazepam (CZP), a long-term acting benzodiazepine antiepileptic. As such, alternative drugs for RBD are urgently needed to minimize the adverse effects peculiar to benzodiazepines. The efficacy of yokukansan (YKS), a traditional Japanese herbal medicine, on RBD was initially reported by Shinno et al. in 2008. However, no study has compared YKS with CZP. Therefore, this study aimed to clarify the possibility of using YKS as an alternative to CZP. METHODS This was a retrospective cohort study conducted at Jikei University Affiliated Hospital. The subjects were selected from 36 outpatients who had been diagnosed with RBD based on the International Classification of Sleep Disorders, third edition. Of the 23 who met the inclusion criteria but not the exclusion criteria, 11 were treated with YKS monotherapy, and 12 were treated with CZP monotherapy. The primary outcome was the total score on the Japanese version of the Rapid Eye Movement Sleep Behaviour Disorder Questionnaire (RBDQ-JP), and the secondary outcomes were the scores from the eight-item Short-Form Health Survey and factors 1 and 2 of the RBDQ-JP. RESULTS The mean total RBDQ-JP score significantly improved from 52.5 to 21.7 (P = 0.002) after treatment with YKS (mean dosage: 3.0 g/day), which was similar to the change after CZP treatment (from 43.8 to 21.3). On RBDQ-JP factor 1 (dream content), the mean score on five of six items significantly improved after treatment with YKS. There was no significant change in Short-Form Health Survey scores after treatment with either drug. Potassium concentrations were within the normal range in patients treated with YKS. CONCLUSIONS The present results suggest that a small amount of YKS may be an alternative to CZP for RBD, without remarkable adverse events. Further study is needed to prospectively clarify the efficacy and safety of YKS in more detail.
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Affiliation(s)
- Motohiro Ozone
- Department of Psychiatry, Jikei University School of Medicine, Tokyo, Japan.,Department of Neuropsychiatry, Kurume University School of Medicine, Kurume, Japan
| | - Hayato Shimazaki
- Department of Psychiatry, Jikei University School of Medicine, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Hikaru Ichikawa
- Department of Psychiatry, Jikei University School of Medicine, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Masahiro Shigeta
- Department of Psychiatry, Jikei University School of Medicine, Tokyo, Japan
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15
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Federico A, Lugoboni F, Mantovani E, Martini A, Morbioli L, Casari R, Faccini M, Tamburin S. Detoxification Improves Multidomain Cognitive Dysfunction in High-Dose Benzodiazepine Abusers. Front Neurosci 2020; 14:747. [PMID: 32848544 PMCID: PMC7396668 DOI: 10.3389/fnins.2020.00747] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/01/2020] [Accepted: 06/25/2020] [Indexed: 02/03/2023] Open
Abstract
Purpose High-dose benzodiazepines (BZDs) abuse has been documented to cause multidomain cognitive dysfunction. We explored whether cognitive abnormalities to high-dose BZD abuse might be reversed by detoxification with slow subcutaneous infusion of flumazenil. Methods We recruited 96 patients consecutively admitted to the Department of Internal Medicine, Addiction Medicine Unit, Verona University Hospital, Italy for detoxification from high-dose BZD dependence. After selection for inclusion and exclusion criteria, 50 patients (23 men, 27 women; age 42.7 ± 10.3 years) were included. They underwent a comprehensive neuropsychological battery to explore verbal memory, visuospatial memory, working memory, attention, and executive functions 28–30 days prior to admission for detoxification (T0) and at the end of detoxification, i.e., 7 days after admission (T1). A group of 50 healthy adults (24 men, 26 women; mean age 44.5 ± 12.8 years) matched for age, sex, and education served as controls. Results At T0, patients scored significantly worse than healthy controls in all the neuropsychological tests. Depression and anxiety scores were associated with impaired verbal memory at T0 in patients. T1–T0 comparison showed improved performances in all neuropsychological tests after the end of detoxification in patients. Conclusion We confirmed that all neuropsychological domains were significantly and profoundly impaired by high-dose BZD abuse and documented that cognitive abnormalities improved after detoxification with slow subcutaneous infusion of flumazenil.
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Affiliation(s)
- Angela Federico
- Department of Neurosciences, Biomedicine and Movement Sciences, University of Verona, Verona, Italy
| | - Fabio Lugoboni
- Department of Medicine, Addiction Medicine Unit, Verona University Hospital, Verona, Italy
| | - Elisa Mantovani
- Department of Neurosciences, Biomedicine and Movement Sciences, University of Verona, Verona, Italy
| | - Alice Martini
- School of Psychology, Keele University, Newcastle-under-Lyme, United Kingdom
| | - Laura Morbioli
- Department of Neurosciences, Biomedicine and Movement Sciences, University of Verona, Verona, Italy.,Department of Medicine, Addiction Medicine Unit, Verona University Hospital, Verona, Italy
| | - Rebecca Casari
- Department of Medicine, Addiction Medicine Unit, Verona University Hospital, Verona, Italy
| | - Marco Faccini
- Department of Medicine, Addiction Medicine Unit, Verona University Hospital, Verona, Italy
| | - Stefano Tamburin
- Department of Neurosciences, Biomedicine and Movement Sciences, University of Verona, Verona, Italy
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16
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Vergara-Moragues E, González-Saiz F. Predictive Outcome Validity of General Health Questionnaire (GHQ-28) in Substance Abuse Patients Treated in Therapeutic Communities. J Dual Diagn 2020; 16:218-227. [PMID: 31608803 DOI: 10.1080/15504263.2019.1674465] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
Objective: The use of psychoactive substances has been one of the most important global public health problems over the last few decades. Among the problems associated with substance use, dual diagnosis is one of the most relevant. This study aims to investigate the predictive validity of the GHQ-28 (General Health Questionnaire-28; "probable psychiatric cases") in relation to poor treatment outcome measured by (a) "early treatment dropout" and (b) "nonclinically relevant improvement at discharge." Methods: A longitudinal prospective design was used. A sample of 219 substance use disorder patients, who received treatment in a therapeutic community, was selected. Patients were assessed using the GHQ-28 and the outcome variables were registered. A hierarchical logistic regression model was performed to identify factors independently associated with the outcome measure ("early treatment dropout" and "nonclinically relevant improvement at discharge"). Results: Of the total sample, 79 subjects (36%) were considered "early treatment dropouts" and 56.6% (102) presented a "nonclinically relevant improvement at discharge." The two hierarchical logistic regression results show that being classified as a "probable psychiatric case" was significantly and directly associated with "early treatment dropout" and "nonclinically relevant improvement at discharge," as a poor in-treatment outcome indicator. Conclusions: The results of this study support the notion that the probable psychiatric cases identified by the GHQ-28 scale have a greater probability of "early treatment dropout" and have a greater probability of "nonclinically relevant improvement in discharge" of the therapeutic community. These data indicate that GHQ-28 is a suitable clinical instrument for predicting dropout and treatment effect in residential substance use disorder treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Esperanza Vergara-Moragues
- Departamento de Psicobiología y Metodología en Ciencias del Comportamiento, Universidad Complutense de Madrid (UCM), Madrid, Spain.,Universidad Internacional de la Rioja (UNIR), Logroño, Spain
| | - Francisco González-Saiz
- Unidad de Salud Mental Comunitaria de Jerez, UGC Salud Mental, Área de Gestión Sanitaria Norte de Cádiz, Servicio Andaluz de Salud, Cádiz, Spain.,Departamento de Neurociencias, Área de Psiquiatría, Universidad de Cádiz, Cádiz, Spain.,Instituto de Investigación e Innovación Biomédica de Cádiz (INiBICA), Cádiz, Spain
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17
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De Stefano R, Bruno A, Muscatello MR, Cedro C, Cervino G, Fiorillo L. Fear and anxiety managing methods during dental treatments: a systematic review of recent data. ACTA ACUST UNITED AC 2020; 68:317-331. [PMID: 32052621 DOI: 10.23736/s0026-4970.19.04288-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION The management of anxiety and fear of patients experiencing medical treatment is always a major issue. Dentistry is a branch of medicine that is daily in managing these problems, especially in the case of pediatric patients. Odontophobia can be managed in different ways, and the purpose of this study is to eventually review which methods are currently accepted and which are the most effective. EVIDENCE ACQUISITION The literature analysis was conducted on a number of articles, suitably skimmed, after a first research, obtained from the most common scientific databases. The number of works included in the review is 28. EVIDENCE SYNTHESIS From the RCTs evaluated we could highlight that there are different methods in the literature, equally effective and certainly conditioned by the systemic condition of the patient. Another chapter instead turns out to be that linked to the management of the syndromic patient. CONCLUSIONS It is clear that there are different methods and equally different ways to manage our patients in the event of non-cooperation in the case of dental care. In addition to proper management by the clinician, in the literature methods linked to audiovisual distractions, hypnosis or pharmacological methods that produce conscious sedation are effectively reported.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rosa De Stefano
- Department of Biomedical and Dental Sciences, Morphological and Functional Images, G. Martino Polyclinic, University of Messina, Messina, Italy
| | - Antonio Bruno
- Department of Biomedical and Dental Sciences, Morphological and Functional Images, G. Martino Polyclinic, University of Messina, Messina, Italy
| | - Maria R Muscatello
- Department of Biomedical and Dental Sciences, Morphological and Functional Images, G. Martino Polyclinic, University of Messina, Messina, Italy
| | - Clemente Cedro
- Department of Biomedical and Dental Sciences, Morphological and Functional Images, G. Martino Polyclinic, University of Messina, Messina, Italy
| | - Gabriele Cervino
- Department of Biomedical and Dental Sciences, Morphological and Functional Images, G. Martino Polyclinic, University of Messina, Messina, Italy
| | - Luca Fiorillo
- Department of Biomedical and Dental Sciences, Morphological and Functional Images, G. Martino Polyclinic, University of Messina, Messina, Italy - .,Multidisciplinary Department of Medical-Surgical and Odontostomatological Specialties, Luigi Vanvitelli University of Campania, Naples, Italy
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18
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Changes in Prescription of Psychotropic Drugs After Introduction of Polypharmacy Reduction Policy in Japan Based on a Large-Scale Claims Database. Clin Drug Investig 2020; 39:1077-1092. [PMID: 31399894 DOI: 10.1007/s40261-019-00838-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/26/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES In Japan, polypharmacy reduction policy, which reduces the reimbursement of medical cost, was introduced to address unnecessary psychotropic polypharmacy. The rule was applied to the prescriptions of three or more anxiolytics or three or more hypnotics in the policy introduced in 2012. The prescriptions of four or more antidepressants or four or more antipsychotics were added to the rule in the policy revised in 2014. Furthermore, the prescriptions of three or more drugs of anxiolytics, hypnotics, antidepressants, or antipsychotics were subject to the reduction criteria of the policy revision in 2016. Benzodiazepine receptor agonists (BZs) are classified both into anxiolytics and hypnotics, and the reduction rule was not applied to the category of BZs before April 2018. This study aimed to examine the effect of the policy on the prescriptions of four drug categories as well as BZs from the point of view of the number of drugs and doses. METHODS This was a retrospective observational study using a large-scale Japanese health insurance claims database. Patients who were prescribed at least one psychotropic drug (anxiolytic, hypnotic, antidepressant, or antipsychotic) during the study period (from April 2011 to March 2017) were selected. Segmented regression analysis was used to analyze the proportions of patients with three or more or four or more drugs as well as patients above clinically recommended doses, and the means of the average daily doses by drug category. RESULTS A total of 312,167 patients were identified as a study population. The proportions of patients with three or more drugs in anxiolytics, hypnotics, antidepressants, and antipsychotics significantly decreased after the introduction or revisions of the policy, but not BZs. The proportions of patients with three or more drugs in March 2017 were 0.9%, 2.0%, 1.2%, 2.4%, and 8.9% in anxiolytics, hypnotics, antidepressants, antipsychotics, and BZs, respectively. The effect of the policy in reducing the proportions of patients above clinically recommended doses was identified in antipsychotics after the revision in 2016, but not identified in the sum of anxiolytics and hypnotics as well as BZs after the revision in 2014, and antidepressants after the revision in 2016. The proportions of monotherapy were increased from April 2011 to March 2017 only for antidepressants (76.9% → 80.8%) and antipsychotics (79.8% → 82.1%), and not changed or decreased for anxiolytics (85.2% → 85.7%), hypnotics (78.6% → 77.6%), sum of anxiolytics and hypnotics (68.1% → 65.7%), BZs (68.0% → 67.3%), and sum of psychotropic drugs (52.1% → 49.9%). CONCLUSIONS The polypharmacy reduction policy reduced the proportions of patients with three or more drugs in four drug categories, but not BZs. Only limited effects were seen for reducing the proportions of patients above clinically recommended doses. The policy was revised in April 2018 again. Further investigation is needed to examine the effect of the revision in 2018.
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19
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Tamburin S, Mantovani E, Bertoldi A, Federico A, Casari R, Lugoboni F. High-Dose Dependence and Cognitive Side Effects to Medical Prescription of Etizolam. Front Psychiatry 2020; 11:601827. [PMID: 33329156 PMCID: PMC7671959 DOI: 10.3389/fpsyt.2020.601827] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/01/2020] [Accepted: 10/12/2020] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
Introduction: The use of novel designer drugs has increased worldwide over the years. Etizolam is a designer benzodiazepine (BZD) that has raised concern because of its growing non-medical use, liability to tolerance and dependence, and related harms. Studies exploring the abuse liability and cognitive effects of etizolam outside the therapeutic doses are lacking. Aims: To explore the abuse liability of etizolam and the characteristics of patients affected by etizolam high-dose dependence in a nationwide tertiary referral addiction unit. To document the cognitive changes to etizolam high-dose use. Design and Methods: Sociodemographic and clinical data on subjects with etizolam high-dose use were retrospectively collected from a database of 1,293 patients consecutively admitted to the Addiction Medicine Unit, Verona University Hospital, Italy for detoxification from high-dose BZDs or Z-drugs dependence. Thorough neuropsychological testing explored the cognitive side effects of high-dose etizolam use. Results: We found eleven etizolam high-dose users, of which eight used etizolam only, and three used etizolam with other BZDs/zolpidem. All the patients were prescribed etizolam for medical reasons, i.e., anxiety and/or insomnia. Neuropsychological evaluation showed deficits of working memory, visuospatial memory and executive function in a 27-year-old woman who used etizolam 15 mg daily. Discussion: Our findings suggest that abuse and dependence liability of etizolam should be considered a public health and social problem. They offer preliminary evidence on the cognitive side effects of etizolam high-dose use. Conclusions: This report offers new information on the potential harms of etizolam in patients who are prescribed this drug for medical reasons.
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Affiliation(s)
- Stefano Tamburin
- Department of Neurosciences, Biomedicine and Movement Sciences, University of Verona, Verona, Italy
| | - Elisa Mantovani
- Department of Neurosciences, Biomedicine and Movement Sciences, University of Verona, Verona, Italy
| | - Anna Bertoldi
- Addiction Medicine Unit, Department of Medicine, Verona University Hospital, Verona, Italy
| | - Angela Federico
- Department of Neurosciences, Biomedicine and Movement Sciences, University of Verona, Verona, Italy
| | - Rebecca Casari
- Addiction Medicine Unit, Department of Medicine, Verona University Hospital, Verona, Italy
| | - Fabio Lugoboni
- Addiction Medicine Unit, Department of Medicine, Verona University Hospital, Verona, Italy
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Lugoboni F, Bertoldi A, Casari R, Mantovani E, Morbioli L, Tamburin S. Adult Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder and Quality of Life in High-Dose Benzodiazepine and Related Z-Drug Users. Eur Addict Res 2020; 26:274-282. [PMID: 32570244 DOI: 10.1159/000507852] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/27/2020] [Accepted: 04/10/2020] [Indexed: 11/19/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Problematic high-dose benzodiazepine (BZD) and related Z-drug use for a long period is a substance use disorder previously found to be associated with adult attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) and worse quality of life (QoL). Whether adult ADHD impacts QoL in high-dose BZD/Z-drug users has not been explored. AIM The aim of the study was to explore the impact of adult ADHD on QoL in high-dose BZD and related Z-drug users. METHODS We recruited 393 patients (205 men and 188 women) consecutively admitted to the Department of Medicine, Addiction Medicine Unit, Verona University Hospital, Italy, from July 2016 to July 2019 for detoxification from high-dose BZD or Z-drug dependence. Demographic and clinical variables and QoL measures were recorded. The World Health Organization ADHD Self-Report Scale version 1.1 Symptom Checklist Part A was used to detect adult ADHD. RESULTS In our sample, 39.4% of patients were positive to adult ADHD testing (ADHD+), with some clinical features differing in comparison to patients negative to ADHD testing (ADHD-). QoL was worse in high-dose BZD/Z-drug users than the general population. The ADHD+ group showed significantly worse QoL measures than the ADHD- group. Multivariate analysis, including potential covariates showed adult ADHD and age to have the most robust and consistent positive effect for age (i.e., higher QoL) and negative effect for ADHD (i.e., lower QoL) on QoL measures. CONCLUSIONS Adult ADHD is associated with worse QoL measures in high-dose BZD/Z-drug users. Future studies should explore whether appropriate BZD/Z-drug detoxification might improve QoL measures and whether the most appropriate detoxification protocol differs in ADHD+ versus ADHD- populations.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fabio Lugoboni
- Department of Medicine, Addiction Medicine Unit, Verona University Hospital, Verona, Italy
| | - Anna Bertoldi
- Department of Medicine, Addiction Medicine Unit, Verona University Hospital, Verona, Italy
| | - Rebecca Casari
- Department of Medicine, Addiction Medicine Unit, Verona University Hospital, Verona, Italy
| | - Elisa Mantovani
- Department of Neurosciences, Biomedicine and Movement Sciences, University of Verona, Verona, Italy
| | - Laura Morbioli
- Department of Medicine, Addiction Medicine Unit, Verona University Hospital, Verona, Italy.,Department of Neurosciences, Biomedicine and Movement Sciences, University of Verona, Verona, Italy
| | - Stefano Tamburin
- Department of Neurosciences, Biomedicine and Movement Sciences, University of Verona, Verona, Italy,
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Oldenhof E, Anderson-Wurf J, Hall K, Staiger PK. Beyond Prescriptions Monitoring Programs: The Importance of Having the Conversation about Benzodiazepine Use. J Clin Med 2019; 8:E2143. [PMID: 31817181 PMCID: PMC6947397 DOI: 10.3390/jcm8122143] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/31/2019] [Revised: 11/29/2019] [Accepted: 12/02/2019] [Indexed: 12/19/2022] Open
Abstract
: Internationally there is an escalation of prescription-related overdose deaths, particularly related to benzodiazepine use. As a result, many countries have implemented prescription monitoring programs (PMPs) to increase the regulation of benzodiazepine medications. PMPs centralize prescription data for prescribers and pharmacists and generate alerts to high-doses, risky combinations, or multiple prescribers with the aim to reduce inappropriate prescribing and subsequently the potential of patient harm. However, it has become clear that prescribers have been provided with minimal guidance and insufficient training to effectively integrate PMP information into their decision making around prescribing these medications. Accordingly, this paper discusses how PMPs have given rise to a range of unintended consequences in those who have been prescribed benzodiazepines (BDZs). Given that a gradual taper is generally required to mitigate withdrawal from BDZs, there are concerns that alerts from PMPs have resulted in BDZs being ceased abruptly, resulting in a range of unintended harms to patients. It is argued that best practice guidelines based upon a patient-centered framework of decision-making, need to be developed and implemented, in order to curtail the unintended consequences of PMPs. This paper outlines some key considerations when starting the conversation with patients about their BDZ use.
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Affiliation(s)
- Erin Oldenhof
- School of Psychology, Deakin University, Geelong, VIC 3220, Australia (K.H.)
- Reconnexion, Malvern East, Melbourne 3145, Australia;
| | | | - Kate Hall
- School of Psychology, Deakin University, Geelong, VIC 3220, Australia (K.H.)
- Centre for Drug Use, Addictive and Anti-social Behaviour Research (CEDAAR), Deakin University, Geelong, VIC 3220, Australia
| | - Petra K. Staiger
- School of Psychology, Deakin University, Geelong, VIC 3220, Australia (K.H.)
- Centre for Drug Use, Addictive and Anti-social Behaviour Research (CEDAAR), Deakin University, Geelong, VIC 3220, Australia
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Faccini M, Tamburin S, Casari R, Morbioli L, Lugoboni F. High-dose lormetazepam dependence: strange case of Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde. Intern Emerg Med 2019; 14:1271-1278. [PMID: 31076977 DOI: 10.1007/s11739-019-02101-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/10/2019] [Accepted: 05/02/2019] [Indexed: 12/30/2022]
Abstract
High-dose benzodiazepine (BZD) abuse is emerging as a substance use disorder (SUD). The aim of the study is to explore the impact of high-dose lormetazepam (LMZ) abuse and the characteristics of patients affected by this SUD in a tertiary referral addiction unit. We have retrospectively evaluated 1112 patients admitted to the Addiction Medicine Unit, Verona University Hospital, Italy for detoxification from high-dose BZD dependence. LMZ was the most common BZD, with an increasing prevalence from January 2003 to June 2018. Socio-demographic (more women; higher age and education) and clinical features (higher daily diazepam dosage equivalent, BZD abuse duration, age of first BZD intake; BZD prescribed more frequently for sleep disorders; less frequent history of other SUDs, previous/active alcohol, previous opioids abuse; more frequent overall major psychiatric diseases and major depression; less-frequent bipolar disorders and other psychoses, personality disorders, and more than one psychiatric disease) of LMZ vs. other BZD abusers significantly differed. 96.7% LMZ abusers took oral solution, while two-thirds of other BZD abusers took tablets. Oral solution, BZD abuse duration and prescription of BZD for sleep disorders increased, while history of other SUDs, previous/active alcohol and active cannabinoids SUD reduced the risk of high-dose LMZ vs. other BZDs abuse. The large prevalence of high-dose LMZ abusers in Italy may be strongly related to the availability and characteristics of oral formulation that may transform the innocuous Dr. Jekyll tablets into an evil Mr. Hyde. Restriction to the market of LMZ oral formulation might reduce the risk of high-dose abuse.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marco Faccini
- Addiction Medicine Unit, Department of Medicine, Verona University Hospital, Piazzale Scuro 10, 37134, Verona, Italy
| | - Stefano Tamburin
- Department of Neurosciences, Biomedicine and Movement Sciences, University of Verona, Piazzale Scuro 10, 37134, Verona, Italy.
| | - Rebecca Casari
- Addiction Medicine Unit, Department of Medicine, Verona University Hospital, Piazzale Scuro 10, 37134, Verona, Italy
| | - Laura Morbioli
- Addiction Medicine Unit, Department of Medicine, Verona University Hospital, Piazzale Scuro 10, 37134, Verona, Italy
- Department of Neurosciences, Biomedicine and Movement Sciences, University of Verona, Piazzale Scuro 10, 37134, Verona, Italy
| | - Fabio Lugoboni
- Addiction Medicine Unit, Department of Medicine, Verona University Hospital, Piazzale Scuro 10, 37134, Verona, Italy
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Mokhar A, Tillenburg N, Dirmaier J, Kuhn S, Härter M, Verthein U. Potentially inappropriate use of benzodiazepines and z-drugs in the older population-analysis of associations between long-term use and patient-related factors. PeerJ 2018; 6:e4614. [PMID: 29844949 PMCID: PMC5969046 DOI: 10.7717/peerj.4614] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/18/2017] [Accepted: 03/23/2018] [Indexed: 02/02/2023] Open
Abstract
Introduction The long-term use of benzodiazepines (BZD) and z-drugs in older populations is associated with a variety of sociodemographic and health-related factors. Recent studies reported that long-term BZD and z-drugs use is associated with increased age, female sex, and severe negative psychological (e.g., depression) and somatic (e.g., chronic disease) factors. The current study explores the sociodemographic and health-related factors associated with long-term BZD and z-drugs use in the elderly. Methods We conducted a cross-sectional survey among randomly selected patients of one health insurance plan (“AOK North-West”) with BZD and z-drugs prescriptions in the past 12 months. The sample was stratified by appropriate German prescription guidelines (yes vs. no) and age (50–65 vs. >65 years). To examine the association of selected sociodemographic and psychological variables (e.g., sex, employment status, quality of life, depression) with long-term use, a binary logistic regression analysis was conducted. Results In total, data from 340 patients were analyzed. The mean age was 72.1 (SD = 14.5) years, and the most commonly used substances were zopiclon (38.1%), oxazepam (18.1%), and lorazepam (13.8%). The mean defined daily dose (DDD) was 0.73 (SD = 0.47). Insomnia was the main reason for prescribing BZD and z-drugs. The long-term use of BZD and z-drugs was significantly associated with unemployment (OR = 2.9, 95% CI [1.2–7.1]) and generally problematic medication use (OR = 0.5, 95% CI [0.2–1.0]). Discussion Unemployment status and problematic medication use had a significant association with the patient-reported, long-term use of BZD and z-drugs. Divergent prescription patterns might suggest problematic patterns of BZD and z-drugs use. The causal connection between the identified factors and problematic BZD and z-drugs prescription is not discussed in this paper. Nevertheless, employment status and possible evidence of general problematic drug use may be a warning signal to the prescribers of BZD and z-drugs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Aliaksandra Mokhar
- Department of Medical Psychology, University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf, Hamburg, Germany
| | - Niklas Tillenburg
- Department of Medical Psychology, University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf, Hamburg, Germany
| | - Jörg Dirmaier
- Department of Medical Psychology, University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf, Hamburg, Germany
| | - Silke Kuhn
- Center for Interdisciplinary Addiction Research, Department of Psychiatry and Psychotherapy, University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf, Hamburg, Germany
| | - Martin Härter
- Department of Medical Psychology, University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf, Hamburg, Germany
| | - Uwe Verthein
- Center for Interdisciplinary Addiction Research, Department of Psychiatry and Psychotherapy, University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf, Hamburg, Germany
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Tamburin S, Faccini M, Casari R, Federico A, Morbioli L, Franchini E, Bongiovanni LG, Lugoboni F. Low risk of seizures with slow flumazenil infusion and routine anticonvulsant prophylaxis for high-dose benzodiazepine dependence. J Psychopharmacol 2017; 31:1369-1373. [PMID: 28613124 DOI: 10.1177/0269881117714050] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/15/2022]
Abstract
High-dose benzodiazepine (BZD) dependence represents an emerging and under-reported addiction phenomenon and is associated with reduced quality of life. To date there are no guidelines for the treatment of high-dose BZD withdrawal. Low-dose slow flumazenil infusion was reported to be effective for high-dose BZD detoxification, but there is concern about the risk of convulsions during this treatment. We evaluated the occurrence of seizures in 450 consecutive high-dose BZD dependence patients admitted to our unit from April 2012 to April 2016 for detoxification with low-dose slow subcutaneous infusion of flumazenil associated with routine anticonvulsant prophylaxis. In our sample, 22 patients (4.9%) reported history of convulsions when previously attempting BZD withdrawal. Only four patients (0.9%) had seizures during ( n = 2) or immediately after ( n = 2) flumazenil infusion. The two patients with seizures during flumazenil infusion were poly-drug misusers. The most common antiepileptic drugs (AEDs) used for anticonvulsant prophylaxis were either valproate 1000 mg or levetiracetam 1000 mg. Our data indicate that, when routinely associated with AEDs prophylaxis, low-dose slow subcutaneous flumazenil infusion represents a safe procedure, with low risk of seizure occurrence.
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Affiliation(s)
- Stefano Tamburin
- 1 Department of Neurosciences, Biomedicine and Movement Sciences, University of Verona, Verona, Italy
| | - Marco Faccini
- 2 Department of Medicine, Addiction Medicine Unit, Verona University Hospital, Verona, Italy
| | - Rebecca Casari
- 2 Department of Medicine, Addiction Medicine Unit, Verona University Hospital, Verona, Italy
| | - Angela Federico
- 1 Department of Neurosciences, Biomedicine and Movement Sciences, University of Verona, Verona, Italy
| | - Laura Morbioli
- 2 Department of Medicine, Addiction Medicine Unit, Verona University Hospital, Verona, Italy
| | - Enrica Franchini
- 1 Department of Neurosciences, Biomedicine and Movement Sciences, University of Verona, Verona, Italy
| | | | - Fabio Lugoboni
- 1 Department of Neurosciences, Biomedicine and Movement Sciences, University of Verona, Verona, Italy
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Khanra S. Benzodiazepine misuse: When shall we wake up? Asian J Psychiatr 2017; 29:134-135. [PMID: 29061411 DOI: 10.1016/j.ajp.2017.05.013] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/10/2017] [Accepted: 05/19/2017] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Sourav Khanra
- Department of Psychiatry, ICARE Institute of Medical Sciences & Research, Haldia 721645, India.
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Tamburin S, Federico A, Morbioli L, Faccini M, Casari R, Zamboni L, Briguglio G, Lugoboni F. Screening for adult attention deficit/hyperactivity disorder in high-dose benzodiazepine dependent patients. Am J Addict 2017; 26:610-614. [DOI: 10.1111/ajad.12573] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/07/2017] [Revised: 04/09/2017] [Accepted: 05/13/2017] [Indexed: 11/30/2022] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Stefano Tamburin
- Department of Neurosciences, Biomedicine, and Movement Sciences; University of Verona; Verona Italy
| | - Angela Federico
- Department of Neurosciences, Biomedicine, and Movement Sciences; University of Verona; Verona Italy
| | - Laura Morbioli
- Department of Medicine, Addiction Medicine Unit; Verona University Hospital; Verona Italy
| | - Marco Faccini
- Department of Medicine, Addiction Medicine Unit; Verona University Hospital; Verona Italy
| | - Rebecca Casari
- Department of Medicine, Addiction Medicine Unit; Verona University Hospital; Verona Italy
| | - Lorenzo Zamboni
- Department of Medicine, Addiction Medicine Unit; Verona University Hospital; Verona Italy
| | - Giuseppe Briguglio
- Department of Medicine, Addiction Medicine Unit; Verona University Hospital; Verona Italy
| | - Fabio Lugoboni
- Department of Medicine, Addiction Medicine Unit; Verona University Hospital; Verona Italy
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