Convulsive status epilepticus following abrupt high-dose benzodiazepine discontinuation

Drug Alcohol Depend. 2000 Apr 1;59(1):95-7. doi: 10.1016/s0376-8716(99)00059-9.

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.

Publication types

  • Case Reports

MeSH terms

  • Adult
  • Anti-Anxiety Agents / administration & dosage
  • Anti-Anxiety Agents / adverse effects*
  • Dose-Response Relationship, Drug
  • Epilepsy, Tonic-Clonic / chemically induced
  • Epilepsy, Tonic-Clonic / diagnosis
  • Female
  • Flunitrazepam / administration & dosage
  • Flunitrazepam / adverse effects*
  • Humans
  • Long-Term Care
  • Lorazepam / administration & dosage
  • Lorazepam / adverse effects*
  • Male
  • Middle Aged
  • Status Epilepticus / chemically induced*
  • Status Epilepticus / diagnosis
  • Substance Withdrawal Syndrome / diagnosis*

Substances

  • Anti-Anxiety Agents
  • Flunitrazepam
  • Lorazepam