There are specific patient populations that are especially susceptible to complications with benzodiazepines. Benzodiazepines aren’t just prescribed for anxiety and related disorders. Many victims of dependency and withdrawal of benzodiazepines were prescribed them for a variety of reasons, many of which are unrelated to mental health conditions and include these susceptible populations. The victims aren’t just limited to people, either. Benzodiazepines are sometimes prescribed to animals and are used in animal testing. Chronic illness, endocrine and hormonal disorders, neurological conditions such as epilepsy, Parkinson’s, inner ear damage and dysfunction disorders are just some of the non-mental health reasons for benzodiazepine prescription. Benzodiazepine dependency can be especially risky for these people.

Some patient populations have higher risks and incidences of complications from benzodiazepine dependence and withdrawal, including, but definitely not limited to:

• women
• PTSD sufferers
• the elderly (see: handouts page for more on this)
• pets and laboratory animals

Ironically, it is in these especially sensitive patient populations that benzodiazepines are most often prescribed. More research is needed, but there is also a possible link to benzodiazepine complications in people with specific genetic mutations and metabolization issues.