Benzodiazepine tapering: Evidence limitations and research recommendations

This systematic review of publications (2000-2023) concerning tapering benzodiazepines (BZDs) was used to inform the Joint Clinical Practice Guideline on Benzodiazepine Tapering, published in 2025. Rates of taper were often faster than recommended, such as 25%-50% reduction in the initial 1-2 weeks. There was little information on long-term outcomes such as protracted withdrawal and quality of life, and some studies had high rates of attrition. Patients were often switched from short- to long-acting BZDs; however, there are no data on the effect on withdrawal severity or outcomes. There is little information about adverse events such as mortality and suicidality, despite insurance data associating discontinuing BZDs and mortality. The authors conclude the evidence base for tapering BZDs is deficient and list 10 areas for future research. 

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