Long‐term benzodiazepine treatment: Is it ever justified?

Long‐term benzodiazepine treatment is still used for various indications. It is now accepted that benzodiazepines can cause dependence even in normal therapeutic doses in long‐term use. Is long‐term use therefore ever justified? This review marshals the evidence for and against the effectiveness of benzodiazepines in long‐term use and their side‐effects, especially psychological deficits. The topic of dependence is then addressed. It is concluded that although short‐term use is justified in view of the effectiveness and safety of the benzodiazepines, long‐term benzodiazepine use is much more problematic. In the absence of comprehensive long‐term efficacy and safety data, constant vigilance is necessary to prevent unplanned long‐term use.