The results showed that benzodiazepines as a class of drug were associated with a significantly higher (54%) risk of contracting pneumonia, after taking account of previous bouts of the infection, smoking status, and other serious and underlying illness. An effect of similar magnitude was found for the use of zopiclone.Individually, prescriptions for diazepam, lorazepam and temazepam, but not chlordiazepoxide, were all associated with an increased risk of contracting pneumonia.
A second analysis showed that the risk of dying within 30 days of being diagnosed with pneumonia was 22% higher among those taking benzodiazepines. And it was 32% higher within three years of diagnosis.