A 45-year-old woman with long-standing generalised anxiety disorder has been taking diazepam 10 mg three times daily for several years. She wishes to ...

Question

A 45-year-old woman with long-standing generalised anxiety disorder has been taking diazepam 10 mg three times daily for several years. She wishes to stop because of daytime sedation. What is the safest approach to benzodiazepine cessation?

Accepted Answer

Gradual taper of diazepam dose over weeks to months with psychological support

Answer

Abrupt cessation immediately

Answer

Switch diazepam to an equivalent dose of a shorter-acting benzodiazepine and then stop

Answer

Increase the dose briefly then stop suddenly

Answer

Add alcohol to help manage withdrawal symptoms

au-racgp MCQ (SBA): Benzodiazepine dependence - tapering

A 45-year-old woman with long-standing generalised anxiety disorder has been taking diazepam 10 mg three times daily for several years. She wishes to stop because of daytime sedation. What is the safest approach to benzodiazepine cessation?