France Launches Nationwide Campaign to Tackle Prolonged Benzodiazepine Use

The ANSM aims to reduce health risks and misuse by promoting strict prescription guidelines and raising awareness among patients and healthcare providers.

The ANSM has initiated a five-week campaign to address the overuse of benzodiazepines, emphasizing adherence to recommended treatment durations of three weeks for insomnia and 12 weeks for anxiety.
France ranks as the second highest consumer of benzodiazepines in Europe, with 34 units consumed per capita annually, trailing only Spain.
Prolonged use of benzodiazepines, affecting 3.6 million French patients, increases risks of dependency, memory impairment, somnolence, and dangerous falls, particularly among the elderly.
The campaign also targets younger populations, where misuse for recreational purposes and rising consumption among those under 19, especially young women, have been noted.
Healthcare professionals are encouraged to prescribe smaller medication packages and explore non-pharmacological treatments like therapy, yoga, and exercise to address anxiety and insomnia.