Occasionally, a person might become very aggressive when using these drugs. Dependence and abuse are other adverse effects of benzodiazepines. Long-term use can result in a withdrawal syndrome, so the drugs are often prescribed for a few weeks only. However, there are ways to minimize the withdrawal syndrome, usually by very gradually decreasing the dose, so long-term use of the drugs is appropriate when needed. The good news is that the benzodiazepines are fairly safe drugs, and the dose it takes to cause death with these is over 1000 times greater than the usual therapeutic dose.
Side effects are minimal, and dependence seems less likely than with the benzodiazepines.
This is definitely one group of new drugs to watch. If you've tried and still can't find the info you need, try posting your question on the Pharmacology Bulletin Board . The material in this Pharmacology web site is provided for education and information purposes only, and should not replace or substitute for advice from your physician or other health care professional. The best short review I've found. Covers medications as well as other therapies.