We need more support and doctors that understand the process of tapering: A content analysis of free-text responses to a questionnaire on discontinuing long-term benzodiazepine receptor agonist use

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A group of researchers, including Benzodiazepine Information Coalition’s Medical Director, Dr. Christy Huff, along with Tom Lynch, Cristín Ryan, D. E. Foster, and Cathal Cadogan, have published the results of their deprescribing questionnaire in the journal, Health Expectations.  An online questionnaire was designed and disseminated via online benzodiazepine support groups to community-based adults with either current or previous experience of long-term BZRA use. The aim of this study was to conduct a content analysis of the views and experiences of discontinuing long-term BZRA use. The four free-text questions focused on (1) barriers and (2) facilitators to discontinuing benzodiazepine use; (3) additional supports required to discontinue benzodiazepine use; and (4) additional comments regarding benzodiazepine use. Response data were analysed using summative content analysis.

Some Noteworthy Findings

Women made up nearly 77% of respondents. Most reported a general practitioner (44%) or a psychiatrist (41%) to be their initial prescriber. Of the available benzodiazepines, 35% were prescribed clonazepam, 26% diazepam, 23% lorazepam, 23% other, and 17% alprazolam. 49% were prescribed benzodiazepines longer than ten years. Anxiety (70%) was the most common reason for initial prescription.

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