Quality Care
Benzodiazepine Tapering
Developed by a multidisciplinary group led by ASAM, this guideline aims to assist clinicians in helping patients safely taper from their benzodiazepine medication, while minimizing withdrawal symptoms.
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The Joint Clinical Practice Guideline on Benzodiazepine Tapering: Considerations When Benzodiazepine Risks Outweigh Benefits
Developed through a partnership of ten medical and professional societies, this guideline focuses on evidence-informed and consensus-based strategies to help clinicians determine whether tapering benzodiazepine medications may be appropriate for a given patient, and if so, how to taper them.
Benzodiazepines (BZDs) are commonly prescribed, and FDA approved to treat a wide range of conditions including anxiety and mood disorders, insomnia, and seizures. BZD use is associated with increased risk for adverse events including falls, motor vehicle accidents, cognitive impairment, and overdose (particularly when BZD are used in combination with opioids). Patients who have been taking BZD for longer than a month should not abruptly discontinue the medication, but rather should gradually taper the dosage over a period of time under clinical supervision. This guideline aims to assist clinicians in helping patients safely taper their BZD medication, while minimizing withdrawal symptoms and associated risks.
Resources
A series of live webinars intended for clinicians to gain expertise to navigate the complexities of safely tapering benzodiazepines. Topics include:
- Considerations for Benzodiazepine Tapering
- Benzodiazepine Tapering for Older Adults
- Considerations for Tapering Benzodiazepines in Primary Care
- Addressing Benzodiazepine Tapering Challenges
Microlearning Modules - Coming Soon
Enduring, self-paced, on-demand microlearning videos that highlight key takeaways from the guideline in interactive question-and-answer formats.
A free, quick-reference to provide healthcare providers with instant access to current guidelines in a clear concise format. Print copies are also .
A concise six-page guide that provides evidence-based strategies for safely tapering patients from benzodiazepines.
Patient Resources
Patient Infographics - Coming Soon
Poster with engaging graphics and key guideline takeaways to increase awareness and understanding among patients on safe tapering of benzodiazepines.
Patient Pocket Guide - Coming Soon
A free, quick-reference digital tool for patients, friends, and family on benzodiazepine tapering.
Additional Resources
Quick-reference tables, charts, and handouts
- (EMPOWER brochures) - These brochures were created to inform and empower people about certain types of potentially inappropriate medications.
- Resources from the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs
- Re-evaluating the Use of Benzodiazepines Series
- Re-evaluating the Use of Benzodiazepines Series
Publications
- The Joint Clinical Practice Guideline on Benzodiazepine Tapering
- More Coming Soon
Clinical Guideline Committee
- Emily Brunner, MD, DFASAM (Chair)
- Chwen-Yuen A. Chen, MD, FACP, FASAM
- Tracy Klein, PhD, FNP, ARNP, FAANP, FRE, FAAN
- Donovan Maust, MD, MS
- Maryann Mazer-Amirshahi, PharmD, MD, PhD, MPH, FACMT, FASAM
- Marcia Mecca, MD
- Deanna Najera, MPAS, MS, PA-C, DFAAPA
- Chinyere Ogbonna, MD, MPH
- Kiran F. Rajneesh, MD, MS, FAAN
- Elizabeth Roll, MD
- Amy E. Sanders, MD, MS, MPhil, FAAN
- Brett Snodgrass, DNP, FNP-C, ACHPN, FAANP
- Amy VandenBerg, PharmD, BCPP
- Tricia Wright, MD, MS, FACOG, DFASAM
Partner Organizations
- The American Academy of Family Physicians,
- The American Academy of Neurology,
- The American Academy of Physician Associates,
- The American Association of Nurse Practitioners,
- The American Association of Psychiatric Pharmacists,
- The American College of Medical Toxicology,
- The American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists,
- The American Geriatrics Society,
- The American Psychiatric Association, and
- The American Society of Addiction Medicine.
Endorsements
This guideline has been endorsed by:
- The American Academy of Neurology,
- The American Academy of Physician Associates,
- The American Association of Nurse Practitioners,
- The American Association of Psychiatric Pharmacists,
- The American College of Medical Toxicology,
- The American College of Obstetricians and Gynecology,
- The American Geriatrics Society, and
- The American Society of Addiction Medicine.
Funding
The development of this Guideline was generously funded by grant U01FD007804 from the US Food and Drug Administration, US Department of Health and Human Services. The contents are those of the authors and do not necessarily represent the official views of nor an endorsement by the FDA and Department of Health and Human Services or the US Government. The funders had no decision-making role in designing and conducting the systematic reviews, data collection, analysis, and interpretation of the data or approval privilege on the recommendations. As requested, FDA officers provided nonbinding feedback and technical support to the guideline panel and methodological team. This article was peer reviewed before publication. These guidelines are intended to help inform clinical decision making by prescribers and patients. They are not intended to be used for the purposes of restricting, limiting, delaying, or denying coverage for or access to a prescription issued for a legitimate medical purpose by an individual practitioner acting in the usual course of professional practice.