How Much Benzodiazepine Prescribing is the Right Amount of Prescribing?-handout: slides

handout: slides_s3213902-2

Pdf Summary

This document discusses benzodiazepine prescribing and the appropriate amount of prescribing. It is part of the Clinical Support System for Serious Mental Illness (CSS-SMI) initiative funded by the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) and implemented by the American Psychiatric Association (APA). The document provides information on the epidemiology of benzodiazepine use and the most common indications and risks associated with the use of these medications. It emphasizes the need for a cautious and slow tapering approach when discontinuing benzodiazepines and highlights the potential adverse effects of abrupt withdrawal. The document also discusses the limited evidence for the use of other medications to facilitate the tapering process and suggests that the decision to add additional medications should be based on the original indication for the prescription. The document concludes by highlighting the importance of patient-centered care and the need for shared decision-making between patients and providers when considering benzodiazepine tapering. It provides resources for further information and support, such as the VA Academic Detailing service and the CBT-i Coach app. Overall, the document aims to provide guidance on appropriate benzodiazepine prescribing and strategies for tapering and discontinuing these medications.

Keywords

benzodiazepine prescribing

Clinical Support System for Serious Mental Illness

Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration

American Psychiatric Association

epidemiology of benzodiazepine use

risks of benzodiazepine use

tapering benzodiazepines

adverse effects of abrupt withdrawal

medications for tapering process

patient-centered care