Clinical management of withdrawal from benzodiazepine anxiolytic and hypnotic medications.

Journal: Addiction (Abingdon, England)

Volume: 117

Issue: 5

Year of Publication: 2022

Affiliated Institutions:  Clinical and Experimental Sciences, Faculty of Medicine, University of Southampton, Southampton, UK.

Abstract summary 

Benzodiazepines continue to be prescribed widely in the management of patients with insomnia or anxiety disorders, despite the availability and acceptability of alternative pharmacological and psychological treatments. Many patients will experience adverse effects during treatment and considerable distress when the dosage is reduced and stopped. Management of benzodiazepine withdrawal includes measures to prevent the development of dependence, careful attention to underlying medical conditions, medication consolidation and gradual dosage reduction, accompanying psychological interventions, occasional prescription of concomitant medication, and relapse prevention with on-going support to address psychosocial stressors. There are needs for easier patient access to services with refined expertise and for further research to optimise strategies for preventing dependence and facilitating withdrawal.

Authors & Co-authors:  Baldwin David S DS

Study Outcome 

Source Link: Visit source

Statistics
Citations :  Priest R, Montgomery S. Benzodiazepines and dependence: a college statement. Bull Royal College Psychiat. 1988;12(3):107-9.
Authors :  1
Identifiers
Doi : 10.1111/add.15695
SSN : 1360-0443
Study Population
Male,Female
Mesh Terms
Anti-Anxiety Agents
Other Terms
Anxiolytic;benzodiazepine;dependence;hypnotic;management;withdrawal
Study Design
Cross Sectional Study
Study Approach
Country of Study
Publication Country
England