Psychopharmacology and Psychiatry Updates Beyond Benzos: Strategies for Successful Deprescribing
May 26, 2025
In this insightful discussion, Alexis Ritvo, a board-certified addiction psychiatrist and esteemed program director at the University of Colorado, shares expert insights on benzodiazepine deprescribing. The conversation tackles the balance between benefits and withdrawal challenges, emphasizing patient-centered care. Ritvo highlights the importance of education, informed consent, and open dialogue, showcasing findings from the Empowered Trial. Strategies to help patients safely reduce their dependence on these medications are explored, ultimately promoting better mental health outcomes.
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Janet's Fear of Stopping Benzos
- Janet's fear of stopping benzodiazepines illustrates patient ambivalence in deprescribing.
- Despite side effects like falls and memory problems, patients may fear life without the medication.
Indications for Benzodiazepine Deprescribing
- Adverse effects, tolerance, loss of efficacy, and patient request are key deprescribing indications.
- These signs guide clinicians to consider benzodiazepine tapering to improve patient safety and outcomes.
Benefits of Benzodiazepine Deprescribing
- Long-term benzodiazepine use can paradoxically increase anxiety and decrease cognitive function.
- Deprescribing may reduce anxiety sensitivity and improve mobility, cognition, and reduce mortality risk.