Time efficient interventions by general practitioners curb benzodiazepine consumption among long-term users.

WHAT DOES THIS PAPER ADD? ▸ This paper provides level 1 evidence that a 20 min discussion by GPs about the risks of benzodiazepines, alongside provision of a selfapplied, written, stepped-dose, tapering protocol results in discontinuation rates of 45% at 1-year in primary care patients without severe comorbidity. This approach is as effective and more time efficient than the same educational intervention plus close monitoring of patients every 2 weeks. ▸ Irritability, insomnia, anxiety and tremor may occur transiently during the tapering process. ▸ Withdrawal symptoms resolve by 1 year and are no different in frequency to patients who do not receive a discontinuation intervention.