USE AND ABUSE OF BENZODIAZEPINES IN BRAZIL

Abstract

In Brazil, there is a growing concern regarding the excessive and prolonged use of benzodiazepines in situations without justification. These medications are among the top five best-selling and controlled drugs in the country, often prescribed in primary health care. This occurs partly due to professionals' lack of time during medical consultations, which hinders individual assessment for the proper treatment of disorders such as insomnia and anxiety. Despite the visibility of the problem, effective policies to reduce the inappropriate use of these medications have not yet been implemented. Improper use of benzodiazepines can cause adverse reactions and side effects, such as cognitive deficits, motor alterations, excessive sedation, tolerance, and dependence. Despite these risks, the use of these medications continues to grow in Brazil, especially in primary health care, where consultation time is limited for a detailed assessment and individualized treatment strategies. While benzodiazepines can provide significant improvements in patients' lives when used correctly, their inappropriate use brings serious consequences, such as dependence and irreversible adverse reactions. This problem is not exclusive to Brazil and is observed in several countries where these medications are easily obtained in primary care consultations, often to treat anxiety and insomnia. A multiple case study conducted in primary health care services in Brazil and Cuba revealed that health professionals often prescribe benzodiazepines without considering the risks associated with their prolonged and inappropriate use. The responses of health professionals in both countries converged on themes such as lack of management over the use of these medications, inappropriate prescriptions, and lack of training to deal with mental health issues, highlighting the need for measures to address this problem globally.