Hypnotic drugs, combined prescribing

The benzodiazepines (BZDs), which were introduced nearly 40 years ago, were hailed as a breakthrough because they have fewer of the drawbacks of prior anxiolytics and sedative-hypnotics, are effective in a range of disorders, and are safe in combination with most drugs (except other sedatives), as well as alone in overdose, and are generally mild in terms of side effects. For these reasons, BZDs quickly became, and remain, among the most widely prescribed drugs worldwide. 

The 1,4- and 1,5-benzodiazepines are among the most prescribed tranquilizers, hypnotics, and muscle relaxant drugs available today. Hence, they are frequently abused and often found in DWl or drug overdose cases in combination with other drugs or alcohol. In addition, benzodiazepines have been identified as one... 

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