🔒Limit the duration of benzodiazepine use to two to four weeks to minimize risks and dependence.
🛡️Encourage safe and supported tapering for individuals who are on benzodiazepines for extended periods.
📝Include informed consent as an essential part of prescribing benzodiazepines.
🧠Consider cognitive-behavioral therapy as an alternative for managing anxiety in the long term.
⏳Further research is needed to determine the long-term efficacy of benzodiazepines.
What is the recommended duration of benzodiazepine use?
—It is recommended to limit the use of benzodiazepines to two to four weeks.
How should patients discontinue benzodiazepine use?
—Patients should undergo a slow and patient-led tapering process to safely discontinue benzodiazepine use.
Why is informed consent important in prescribing benzodiazepines?
—Informed consent ensures that patients are aware of the risks, benefits, and alternatives of benzodiazepine use.
What is an alternative to benzodiazepines for long-term anxiety management?
—Cognitive-behavioral therapy has shown efficacy in managing anxiety in the long term.
What is the current understanding of the long-term efficacy of benzodiazepines?
—There is a need for further research to determine the long-term efficacy of benzodiazepines.
07:11Stephen Wright, a medical consultant, highlights the best practices for prescribing benzodiazepines, including limiting duration of use and safe tapering for discontinuation.
09:49Prescribing benzodiazepines begins with informed consent, ensuring patients are aware of the risks, benefits, and alternatives.
10:52Short-term efficacy of benzodiazepines has been well-documented, but long-term efficacy and durability of response require further research.
