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4.1.2 Anxiolytics

First Line
Second Line
Specialist
Hospital Only

Drugs used for anxiety not listed below:

Benzodiazepines

Benzodiazepines should only be used for short-term treatment except in exceptional circumstances. Clear justification must be made and agreed between primary and secondary care for long-term treatment.

Benzodiazepines should only be prescribed for an anticipated maximum of 2-4 weeks; each single prescription should not exceed one month's supply.

Benzodiazepines are associated with a poorer outcome in the long term and should not be prescribed for the treatment of individuals with panic disorder (NICE CG113).

MHRA Drug Safety Update (March 2020): Benzodiazepines and opioids: reminder of risk of potentially fatal respiratory depression.

  • benzodiazepines (and benzodiazepine-like drugs) and opioid medicines (opioids) can both cause respiratory depression; when used together, additive effects on the central nervous system increase the risks of sedation, respiratory depression, coma, and death
  • only prescribe benzodiazepines (or benzodiazepine-like drugs) and opioids together if there is no alternative
  • if a decision is made to co-prescribe, use the lowest doses possible for the shortest duration of time and carefully monitor patients for signs of respiratory depression
  • if there is any change in prescribing such as new interactions or dose adjustments, re-introduce close monitoring of the patient
  • if co-prescribing methadone with a benzodiazepine or benzodiazepine-like drug, closely monitor for respiratory depression for at least 2 weeks following initiation or changes to prescribing because the respiratory depression effect of methadone may be delayed
  • advise patients of the symptoms of respiratory depression and sedation and the need to seek immediate medical attention if these occur
Diazepam
  • Tablets 2mg, 5mg, 10mg (£2.01 = 5mg three times daily)
  • Oral solution sugar free 2mg/5ml (£105.91 = 100ml)
  • Injection (emulsion) 5mg/1ml
  • Solution for injection 10mg/2ml (£3.10 = 2ml ampoule)
  • Rectal solution tube 5mg/2.5ml, 10mg/2.5ml (£8.78 = 5 x 10mg tube)

Indications

  • Short-term use in anxiety (up to 4 weeks only)
  • Status epilepticus
  • Febrile convulsions
  • Muscle spasm
  • Adjunct in acute alcohol withdrawal (hospital only)
Chlordiazepoxide
  • Capsules 5mg, 10mg

Indications

Notes

  1. Changes to the SmPC for Librium regarding contraceptive requirements for males and females due to a possible genotoxic risk (May 2022): The UK Teratology Information Service (UKTIS) has reviewed the background to the SmPC update. Please click here for the UKTIS position statement.