55 - References

References

542 The Maudsley® Prescribing Guidelines in Psychiatry CHAPTER 4 ■ ■Benzodiazepine misuse is frequently seen in multisubstance misuse where opioids may be the primary drug of dependence. ■ ■Consider cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT) when withdrawing from benzodiazepines. More detailed information on benzodiazepine withdrawal is given in The Maudsley Deprescribing Guidelines.13 References

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13. Horowitz M, et  al. The Maudsley Deprescribing Guidelines: Antidepressants, Benzodiazepines, Gabapentinoids and Z-­drugs. Oxford: Wiley-­Blackwell; 2024. Table 4.24  Typical diazepam withdrawal schedule for iatrogenic dependence. Week Dose Baseline 30mg/day Week 2 25mg/day Week 4 20mg/day Week 6 18mg/day Week 8 16mg/day Week 10 14mg/day Week 12 12mg/day Week 14 10mg/day Then reduce by 2mg/day every 2 weeks if tolerated.