IRRATIONAL USE OF BENZODIAZEPINES IN PATIENTS WITH DEPRESSION

Abstract

Benzodiazepines have been used in clinical practice since the 1960s, working by enhancing GABA receptor activity, which slows down neurotransmission and produces sedative and anxiolytic effects. Although these drugs have become some of the most widely prescribed worldwide, their irrational use has raised significant concerns. To address this, Ordinance 344/98 was implemented to encourage the rational use of benzodiazepines and to minimize the risks associated with their misuse (OLIVEIRA, 2015). Long-term use of benzodiazepines can lead to dependence, and patients who stop taking them may experience withdrawal symptoms such as anxiety, irritability, and sleep disturbances. Given the rising rates of anxiety and depressive disorders, especially following the COVID-19 pandemic, adopting an integrative approach and promoting the responsible use of psychotropic medications is increasingly important (SILVA, 2024).Depression has been extensively studied in recent years, particularly after the pandemic. It can arise from a combination of genetic, social, psychological, and environmental factors, leading to numerous health complications. According to the World Health Organization (WHO, 2017), depression increases the risk of substance use disorders, cardiovascular disease, and diabetes, and is a major risk factor for suicide. Treatment varies depending on severity but often combines medication with psychotherapy to achieve faster and more effective outcomes (HALVERSON, 2024).