The condition of having a normal physical sense of taste but finding flavors strange and unpleasant is known as phantogeusia and very difficulto treat. It has recently been reported that benzodiazepine (BZD) has not only anti-anxiety effects but also some influence on taste cognition. This study examined the efficacy and safety of ethyl loflazepate for use with phantogeusia patients. Four patients were prescribed ethyl loflazepate at a dosage of 1-2mg/day. The ethyl loflazepate was found to relieve phantogeusia and tolerated well. The onset of the response was usually observed within one week. The relief of phantogeusia following ethyl loflazepate treatment was independent of the response to treatment for depression. It is suggested that ethyl loflazepate may be effective in the treatment of phantogeusia in cases both with and without depression
