Strategies and tips for tapering benzodiazepines
| Strategies Taper by 25% every 2 weeks |
| If dosage forms do not allow for a 25% reduction, consider a 50% reduction |
| Consider slowing to 12.5% for the final 2 weeks of the taper |
| Consider alternate-day dosing for the final 2 weeks of the taper |
| Tips Educate patients on what to expect and reassure them that symptoms will resolve |
| Consider switching to a medication formulation with lower dose options |
| Consider using a nonaddictive medication alternative |
| Some patients may require an extremely slow taper—over months, not weeks |
Based on information in reference 5.