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# FDA Orders Benzodiazepine Boxed Warning Change
- URL: https://www.fdaweb.com/fda-orders-benzodiazepine-boxed-warning-change/
- Published: 2020-09-23T12:00:00.000Z
- Updated: 2026-09-14T16:29:55.000Z
- Author: David McFarland
- Tags: Drugs, #legacy-id-D5147716

An FDA [drug safety communication](https://www.fda.gov/drugs/drug-safety-and-availability/fda-requiring-boxed-warning-updated-improve-safe-use-benzodiazepine-drug-class?ref=fdaweb.com) says the agency is requiring an update to the Boxed Warning and requiring class-wide labeling changes for benzodiazepines to include the risks of abuse, misuse, addiction, physical dependence, and withdrawal reactions to help improve their safe use. An agency [statement](https://www.fda.gov/news-events/press-announcements/fda-requiring-labeling-changes-benzodiazepines?utm%5Fmedium=email&utm%5Fsource=govdelivery) says the drugs are an important approved treatment option for generalized anxiety disorder, insomnia, seizures, social phobia, and panic disorder. They also are used as pre-medication before some medical procedures.

Most benzodiazepines are recommended for use for periods of weeks or months, FDA says. When they are taken steadily for several months, it says, patients can have withdrawal signs and symptoms when the medicine is discontinued abruptly or continued in lower doses to avoid withdrawal.