outpatient benzodiazepine weaning
Benzodiazepines are sedating medications that are often called tranquilizers. Commonly prescribed benzodiapines are lorazepam (Ativan®), diazepam (Valium®), clonazepam (Klonopin®), and alprazolam (Xanax®). This class of medications has many therapeutic uses, but they can also be associated with addiction and dependence.
Many individuals who take them for an extended period of time choose to wean off benzodiazepines. Some choose to wean because they have developed a problem with them, and some choose to wean off because they are concerned about side effects or potential problems from long-term use. It is difficult and potentially dangerous to rapidly wean off of benzodiazepines without proper medical supervision. Regardless of the reason for the decision, we are happy to help individuals with this process. It often takes several months to properly wean off these medications, particularly if they have been taken daily for years. For individuals who feel that it is important to rapidly wean off of this class of medications, we recommended inpatient detox (https://acornhealthandrecovery.com/detox/). For individuals who would like to take a longer approach, we are happy to provide a consultation and help develop an individualized plan. Consultations involve a full medical evaluation that will screen for medical conditions that may be involved. The plan will likely involve a taper involving a long acting benzodiazepine, or a medication called phenobarbtal that is in a different class of medications, but it acts on a similar part of the brain.
Patients are seen regularly throughout the process. Frequency of visits depends on many factors. Since benzodiapines are often prescribed to treat anxiety, we work with the individual to help find other approaches that may be more effective with less side effects. Patients are evaluated to see if other medications (typically ones without addictive potential, or ones that have a better side effect profile) are more appropriate. Mindfulness (https://acornhealthandrecovery.com/mindfulness/) is encouraged for everyone (very beneficial with no side effects!).