The US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) recently announced labeling changes for benzodiazepines.
All benzodiazepine products, which include well-known drugs such as Xanax and Valium, must have warning labels that spell out the risks of abuse, misuse, addiction, physical dependence and withdrawal. The FDA has called for a “Boxed Warning,” which is the agency’s most prominent safety warning.
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In 2019, an estimated 92 million benzodiazepine prescriptions were dispensed from U.S. pharmacies with alprazolam – commonly known by its brand name Xanax – making up 38% of those prescriptions, according to the FDA.
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Stopping these drugs abruptly or reducing the dosage too quickly after a long period of time can result in withdrawal reactions such as seizures, which the FDA says can be life-threatening. Patients should speak with their health care provider to develop a plan for slowly tapering medication before stopping, the agency said.1
Mad in America readers are likely well aware of the risks involved in taking benzodiazepines (and other psychiatric drugs). In an article published earlier this year, I noted the severe withdrawal symptoms experienced by psychologist Jordan B. Peterson after he stopped taking both benzodiazepines and antidepressants.
Footnotes
- Rodriguez, A. (2020, September 24). FDA requires stronger warning label for Xanax, Valium and other similar benzodiazepine drugs. Retrieved September 27, 2020, from USA TODAY: https://www.usatoday.com/story/news/health/2020/09/24/fda-requires-stronger-warning-label-xanax-valium-similar-drugs-benzodiazepine/3516126001/
