Tolerance and
dependence can develop with long-term use of prazepam, and upon cessation or reduction in dosage, then a
benzodiazepine withdrawal syndrome may occur with symptoms such as
tremulousness,
dysphoria,
psychomotor agitation,
tachycardia and
sweating. In severe cases,
hallucinations,
psychosis and
seizures can occur.
Withdrawal-related psychosis is generally unresponsive to antipsychotic mediations. The risk and severity of the withdrawal syndrome increases the higher the dose and the longer prazepam is taken for. Tolerance, dependence and withdrawal problems may be less severe than with other benzodiazepines, such as
diazepam. It may be because tolerance is slower to develop with prazepam than with other benzodiazepines. Abrupt or over-rapid discontinuation of prazepam after long-term use, even at low dosage, may result in a
protracted withdrawal syndrome. Benzodiazepines can induce serious problems of
addiction, which is one of the main reasons for their use being restricted to short-term use. A survey in
Senegal found that the majority of doctors believed that their training in this area was generally poor. It was recommended that national authorities take urgent action regarding the rational use of benzodiazepines. Almost one-fifth of doctors ignored prescription guidelines regarding short-term use of benzodiazepines, and almost three-quarters of doctors regarded their training and knowledge of benzodiazepines to be inadequate. More training regarding benzodiazepines has been recommended for doctors. == Contraindications and special caution ==