You just inherited a patient on a stable, long-term benzodiazepine. Is automatically tapering them off the safest option?

⚪ Clinical pearl: The decision to continue or discontinue a long-term benzodiazepine requires a careful comparison of risks. Untreated anxiety has its own significant medical risks, and a recent large study found that mortality rates actually increased after benzodiazepine discontinuation, even in high-risk groups. For a stable patient with a history of severe, treatment-resistant anxiety, the risk of a difficult withdrawal and return of symptoms may outweigh the risk of continuing a modest, stable dose. The decision should be a shared one with the patient.

🔗 To learn more about this pearl, check out the Carlat Article: https://www.thecarlatreport.com/articles/5365-benzodiazepines