Convulsive status epilepticus following abrupt high-dose benzodiazepine discontinuation.

Gatzonis, S D; Angelopoulos, E K; Daskalopoulou, E G; Mantouvalos, V; Chioni, A; Zournas, C; Siafakas, A · Drug Alcohol Depend · 2000

case_report · Level V

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Abstract

The misuse of benzodiazepines (BNZ)s may result in serious side effects. Three cases of convulsive status epilepticus (CSE) following abrupt discontinuation of long-term use of 25 mg of lorazepam in one patient and more than 20 mg of flunitrazepam in two patients are presented; they were non-epileptics and free of other high-risk factors for seizures. A favorable outcome for all three cases was noted. They remain free of seizures without antiepileptic treatment. Nevertheless, because of the extensive use of benzodiazepines, such rare high-risk side effects must be emphasized.

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