To delve deeper into the topic, I sat down with Dr. Mark Donaldson, our pharmacology expert, and I asked him whether benzodiazepines could cause another epidemic similar to opioids.
I hope you enjoy the conversation. We always look forward to hearing your thoughts and receiving your questions and/or suggestions about this post and other topics. Leave a comment in the box below, send us your feedback by email, or call us at 1-855-716-2747.
Until next time!
Chiraz Guessaier, CDA Oasis Manager
Conversation Highlights
- Dr. Donaldson speaks about the history of Benzodiazepines and Dr. Leo Sternbach, who synthesized the very first benzodiazepine Librium, also known as Chlordiazepoxide.
- Benzodiazepines have been part of our social and medical culture for many years. And, while they may not necessarily be new or alluring, they are certainly still well prescribed.
- One of the unique properties of benzodiazepines is anterograde amnesia, where the patient starts to lose memories as the drug begins to take effect. So, if you take a high-fear dental patient, relax them and do the dentistry and they don't remember the appointment, at the next appointment they may not necessarily be as fearful.
- Midazolam or Versed is the benzodiazepine primarily used with children. In 10% of the population, the drug has actually shown the opposite effect and children become agitated. Another safe alternative is to give an anti-histamine which is known to induce sleepiness.
- The headline of a benzodiazepine epidemic is not new; however, it has not gone away either. Taking a benzodiazepine in large quantity does not produce a lethal outcome. The real challenge is the co-prescribing of benzodiazepines with opioids.
- Always practice with the 4 Rs in mind: Right drug, Right dose, Right patient, Right procedure.
Read/download the transcript of the conversation (PDF)
Further Reading
Chanpong B, Haas DA, Locker D. Need and demand for sedation or general anesthesia in dentistry: a national survey of the Canadian population. Anesth Prog. 2005 Spring;52(1):3-11.