Tapering (deprescribing) of benzodiazepine tranquilizers

Abstract

Deprescribing is the opposite of prescribing drugs, the purpose of which is to improve quality of life and reduce the risk of adverse drug reactions. The paper considers the process of deprescribing benzodiazepines. It analyzes relevant studies on this problem, as well as recommendations to help decide whether it is a need for deprescribing and how to accurately do this. There are also the results of original investigations demonstrating the tapering of benzodiazepine tranquilizers: comparison of simple tampering, use of psychotherapy, or replacement pharmacotherapy. The use of a deprescribing algorithm is the safest way to discontinue benzodiazepines in patients who do not have serious indications for their long-term use.

Keywords

• deprescribing
• benzodiazepines
• psychiatry
• discontinuation of benzodiazepines