Overview

• 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.