ASAM Pocket Guidelines and Patient Guide

Benzodiazepine Tapering Patient Guide

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© 2025 American Society of Addiction Medicine. All rights reserved. ASAM.org 18 If You're an Older Adult (65 or older) • Older adults may experience higher risks when using benzodiazepines: » Your body may process medications more slowly, causing you to be more sensitive to benzodiazepines. » Many older adults take multiple medications for several conditions. These medications and/or conditions may interact, increasing health risks. » These factors can increase the risk of negative outcomes such as memory problems, falls, and car accidents. • If you are an older adult, talk to your healthcare provider about your risks and the potential benefits of tapering. If You Are Pregnant or Breastfeeding • If you are pregnant or breastfeeding and taking benzodiazepines, talk to your healthcare provider about the risks. • In general, your healthcare provider may recommend other treatments (e.g., cognitive behavioral therapy, antidepressants) over benzodiazepines while you are pregnant. • If you use benzodiazepines during pregnancy your healthcare provider should recommend the lowest possible effective dose. They may also monitor you more closely during this time. • You can continue breastfeeding while taking benzodiazepines. Breastfeeding is typically encouraged for infants exposed to benzodiazepines during pregnancy as it may reduce their risk of withdrawal symptoms. • If you used benzodiazepines during pregnancy, tell your infant's pediatrician and other health care providers.

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