DIAZEPAM ADDICTION - CASE-REPORT

A case of addiction to Diazepam is reported. Severe withdrawal symptoms such as tremulousness, irritability, increased psychomotor activity, generalized muscle cramps, abdominal cramps, photophobia, retro-orbital pains and insomnia are described. Visual hallucinations, illusions, and paranoid features are also present in this case. Detoxification and management were accomplished by gradual withdrawal and the addition of another tranquilizer, anticonvulsant and muscle relaxant. The author reviews other such reports of abuse and addiction in the literature which call for wide recognition of the addictive properties of Diazepam and for restrictions on its indiscriminate prescription by physicians.