A 73-year-old man with a background of anxiety and insomnia has been taking Diazepam 10 mg at night for 18 months, prescribed by a previous GP. He wan...

Question

A 73-year-old man with a background of anxiety and insomnia has been taking Diazepam 10 mg at night for 18 months, prescribed by a previous GP. He wants to stop the medication. He has tried stopping abruptly before and experienced severe anxiety, insomnia, tremor, and palpitations. What is the MOST appropriate approach to discontinuation?

Accepted Answer

Convert Diazepam to a long-acting form and taper gradually over weeks to months, reducing by no more than 10-12.5% of the dose per fortnight

Answer

Stop Diazepam immediately as it is a STOPP medication

Answer

Switch to an equivalent dose of a shorter-acting benzodiazepine (e.g., Oxazepam) and then gradually reduce over several weeks to months

Answer

Switch to Zopiclone at an equivalent dose

Answer

Prescribe Pregabalin to replace the Diazepam

uk-dgm MCQ (SBA): Benzodiazepine Tapering Strategy