However, it cannot be excluded that treatment with benzodiazepines may have negative therapeutic long-time effects, and may induce neuropsychological impairment, which in the worst case can be permanent. The amount of prescription of benzodiazepines in general practice is considerable, both for treating sleep disturbances and anxiety. There are a number of studies suggesting that benzodiazepines may have negative neuropsychological consequences. Because of the large prescription volume it is particularly important to investigate these suggestions, even if the impairment in the individual case is moderate. Midazolam Disinhibition Reaction.
Some studies suggest that benzodiazepines have an inherent potential to cause aggression.
Other studies have demonstrated that chlordiazepoxide and diazepam may decrease anxiety but increase affective hostility. In addition, some studies show aggression-enhancing effects of benzodiazepines in laboratory animals. Rats given benzodiazepines tend to kill significantly more mice than those given placebo. Emergence of Depressive Symptoms in Patients Receiving Alprazolam for Panic Disorder. Clinicians should be alert to this potentially reversible complication.