THE INDISCRIMINATE USE OF CLONAZEPAM AND THE IMPORTANCE OF NURSING CARE

Abstract

The use of clonazepam throughout Brazil has been a factor of concern in the public health area and in several other aspects, due to the large amount of dispensation. This study aims to discuss the clonazepam wholesale use and demonstrate the importance of nursing care. It is a documentary research with bibliographic basis provided by National Health Surveillance Agency (ANVISA) and a study conducted based in articles and bibliographies to be able to identify how nursing professionals can intervene to mitigated or solve the issue. The use of Clonazepam has been increasing in recent years, but despite its safety by its high therapeutic index, the low risk of toxicity and rare cases of overdose, if used for prolonged time can generate problems such as tolerance, dependence and even withdrawal crises during withdrawal of the drug. It is understood that the search for medicines that relieve the symptoms of mental health problems and the lack of sufficient information has generated an indiscriminate use, bringing the dependence as the main consequence. Therefore, it is believed that the nurse should have sufficient knowledge and preparation to act by decreasing the use of clonazepam, along with the multi professional team, because the knowledge about the action of this medicine as a cause of chemical dependence, as well as planning and strategies implementation, can contribute significantly by predicting and minimizing harmful effects.