The American Society of Addiction Medicine (ASAM) has made available for public comment a draft of its Clinical Practice Guideline on Benzodiazepine Tapering . The public comment period is now closed. Thank you for all of your feedback.

Overview

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.

This guideline was developed in partnership with the American Academy of Family Physicians, the American Academy of Neurology, the American Academy of Physician Associates, the American College of Medical Toxicology, the American Association of Nurse Practitioners, the American Association of Psychiatric Pharmacists, the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists, the American Geriatrics Society, and the American Psychiatric Association.

This project is funded by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA).