The most common use in Spain are Lorazepan, known as Orfidal and Alprazolan known as Trankizamin. Between the sleep inducing pills the most used is Lormatazepan, known as Noctamid.

The use of these medicines has to be done with moderation. After 4 weeks of consumption it is advisable to stop because produce dependency. OCU warn about the easy use in our society of these medicines.

In spite the adverse effects are well known and the medical advices talk about cut down the consumption, it continues growing. Due to Health Ministry the consumption in our country has been increased 57,4% since the last 12 years.

OCU remind the medicines are not harmless. They could produce cognitive damages, psychomotor effects and uninhibited behavior. The alcohol increases these effects. The elderly people should not take due the minimal effects.

OCU reiterate the consumption of these medicines is not the solution. As an example in Madrid Community there are 4 psychologist for 100.000 inhabitants in front of the European media that is 18 and 80 in Sweden.

The Health Ministry´s guide for patients with anxiety disorder recommend the psychotherapy. OCU also consider the psychotherapy should be the first option to deal with anxiety.

OCU note the expense on these kind of medicines is very important. In 2010 were spent 750 million in benzodiazepines and the expenses are higher if we count the sick leave or disability due to anxiety or depression.

In order to reduce the expense in medicines OCU hold the campaign “Pastillas las Justas” (http://www.ocu.org/salud/medicamentos/consejos/pastillas-las-justas) that promote the careful medical prescription of medicines.

For more information, please contact Eva Jiménez (media) Telephone: 917226061 prensa@ocu.org    www.ocu.org