There is sufficient, converging evidence from epidemiologic and experimental studies to establish a strong causal connection between benzodiazepine/Z-drug use to motor vehicle accidents, falls and fractures as a consequence of psycho-motor impairment.

A strong causal connection between benzodiazepine/Z-drug use and the other reviewed harm associations (i.e., dementia, infections, cancer etc.) cannot be soundly concluded at this time due to insufficient and conflicting evidence from both epidemiologic and experimental studies.

As doubt and controversy persists regarding many of these adverse harm associations, further research is required to reconcile the evidence base for the sake of optimizing medication safety in the population.