Guidelines for safely reducing benzodiazepine use
Official title: National Practice Guidelines for Safe Tapering of Benzodiazepines
Funded at American Society of Addiction Medicine · NIH-10676509 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is working on creating helpful guidelines for doctors on how to safely reduce benzodiazepine medications, which are often used for anxiety and sleep issues, especially for older adults, to make sure they can do it without causing withdrawal problems or other risks.
Quick facts
| Grant type | U01 cooperative agreement |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | American Society of Addiction Medicine NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Rockville, United States) |
| Project start | September 15, 2022 |
| Project end | August 31, 2025 |
| Funding year | 2022 |
| Award (this year) | $1,670,555 |
| NIH project number | 1U01FD007804-01 |
| Project ID | NIH-10676509 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research include patients currently prescribed benzodiazepines who may need to taper their medication safely.
✕Less likely to help
Patients who are not currently using benzodiazepines or those who are not experiencing adverse effects from their use may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research focuses on developing national guidelines for the safe tapering of benzodiazepine medications, which are often prescribed for conditions like anxiety and insomnia. The project aims to address the risks associated with benzodiazepine withdrawal and overdose, particularly in vulnerable populations such as older adults. By establishing clear protocols for tapering, the research seeks to help clinicians manage the complex process of reducing benzodiazepine dosages while minimizing withdrawal symptoms and the risk of relapse. The methodology includes reviewing existing literature and clinical practices to create evidence-based recommendations.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could provide healthcare providers with essential guidelines to safely taper benzodiazepine medications, reducing the risk of withdrawal and overdose for patients.
How similar studies have gone: While there is limited research specifically on tapering benzodiazepines, similar approaches in managing other medications have shown success in establishing safe guidelines.
Where this research is happening
-
American Society of Addiction Medicine
Rockville, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Boyle, Maureen Patricia — American Society of Addiction Medicine
- Study coordinator: Boyle, Maureen Patricia
About this research
- This is an active NIH-funded research project — typically early-stage science, not a clinical trial accepting patient enrollment.
- Some NIH-funded labs run parallel clinical studies or seek volunteers for related work. To check, contact the principal investigator or institution listed above.
- For full project details, budget, and progress reports, visit the official NIH RePORTER page.