How do you approach the use of benzodiazepines in patients with chronic medical illnesses that may be susceptible to respiratory compromise (e.g., CHF, COPD, ILD)?

Should you work to wean patients of benzodiazepines? Is your approach different for patients who have been on benzodiazepines for years? What would you identify for patients as risks and benefits of the use of benzodiazepines?

Answer from: at Community Practice

It’s a very good question and answers may vary among different specialty providers. Yes, a slow or gradual weaning of the benzodiazepines would be advisable. When they reach lower doses the taper should be even slower over weeks or longer. There is a risk for not weaning them off benzodiazepin...

Comments

at Peacehealth Medical Group Oregon
For the elderly or the chronically ill, tolerance ...

at The Vanderbilt Clinic And Medical Group
One thing I have learned is that doing things quic...

at Sutter Medical Center Sacramento
I find that air hunger responds well to low-dose K...

Answer from: at Community Practice

It is generally accepted that, for patients with chronic respiratory conditions, benzodiazepines should be used cautiously due to the risks of respiratory depression, particularly when combined with opioids. In new patients, we consider alternatives like SSRIs or non-pharmacologic approaches first. ...

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at SaVida Health
I have found that slower tapering meets with less ...

Answer from: at Community Practice

Depends on what it is you need to control. Anxiety would have SSRIs, SNRIs, bupropion, mirtazapine, buspirone, gabapentin, etc. For depression, as above, for sleep, the orexin antagonists are magnificent.

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How do you approach the use of benzodiazepines in patients with chronic medical illnesses that may be susceptible to respiratory compromise (e.g., CHF, COPD, ILD)?

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