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Benzodiazepine duration — GPhC CRA MCQ

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EasyCNS TherapeuticsBenzodiazepine durationGPhC CRA

A patient presents a prescription for diazepam 5 mg three times daily for anxiety, issued four weeks ago with a repeat request. They say it helped and want long-term continuation. What would you advise the patient?

Educational content. Not a substitute for clinical judgement or local policy.

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Correct answer: E — Discuss short-term use, dependence risk and prescriber review

Benzodiazepines can be useful short term in selected anxiety or crisis situations but carry risks of sedation, tolerance and dependence. Ongoing use should be reviewed by the prescriber and withdrawal should be gradual if dependence may have developed. Driving safety must be discussed because sedation can impair performance. Alcohol increases CNS depression and should be avoided.

Reference: BNF; NICE CKS