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FAQ AND ADDITIONAL RESOURCES
Common Questions to Ask Your Healthcare Provider
• How do I know if tapering my benzodiazepine medication is
the right choice for me?
• Talk with your healthcare providers. They can work with
you to consider:
» Your risk for harm from taking benzodiazepines (e.g.,
memory problems, falls, car accidents, medication
interactions, physical dependence)
» Whether you are benefiting from the medication
» If there are other treatments, including safer medications,
that may be as or more effective for you
• If your risks are greater than your benefits, your healthcare
provider may recommend you taper the benzodiazepine.
• Will I need to go to a different healthcare provider or facility
for benzodiazepine treatment?
• Probably not. Tapering benzodiazepines can almost always
be managed in outpatient settings.
• How do I know if it's safe for me to stop cold turkey?
• Chances are, if you have been taking benzodiazepines
regularly for a month or more you have physical dependence.
This means you should work with your healthcare provider
to slowly reduce your dose (or taper), rather than stopping
cold turkey. Talk with your healthcare provider about how to
taper safely. Stopping suddenly can be dangerous when you
have physical dependence on the medication.
