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Other options usually better than benzodiazepines in alleviating dyspnoea, sleeping problems and anxiety in COPD patients

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Abstract

Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) is common, especially in older people, and causes progressive dyspnoea that is often accompanied by anxiety and depression. Benzodiazepines (BZDs) are regularly prescribed to COPD patients but can cause significant respiratory adverse events. There are usually better treatment alternatives, such as pulmonary rehabilitation and treatment with antidepressants. The increasing prescription of BZDs with age is concerning, particularly as COPD becomes more prevalent.

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  1. Springer Nature, Private Bag 65901, Mairangi Bay, Auckland, 0754, New Zealand

    Caroline Fenton & Connie Kang

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  1. Caroline Fenton
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  2. Connie Kang
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Correspondence to Connie Kang.

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The preparation of this review was not supported by any external funding.

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C. Fenton and C. Kang are contracted/salaried employees of Adis International Ltd/Springer Nature, and declare no relevant conflicts of interest. All authors contributed to the review and are responsible for the article content.

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Fenton, C., Kang, C. Other options usually better than benzodiazepines in alleviating dyspnoea, sleeping problems and anxiety in COPD patients. Drugs Ther Perspect 37, 19–24 (2021). https://doi.org/10.1007/s40267-020-00787-x

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