Reduction schedules

When reducing B-Z do not prescribe other psychotropics to compensate unless a specific condition or disorder is being treated.

There are multiple tapering schedules, due to variations in drugs, doses and dose frequency, see The Ashton Manual for examples. There is also a need to tailor reductions to individual needs and preferences, such as stopping a morning dose rather than a lunch time dose. While the following reduction steps are considered appropriate, for some individuals smaller reductions may be necessary.^69,84

Reduction dose varies with starting dose.  Reduce by: 

• 10mg/day every two to four weeks, down to a total daily dose of 50mg 
• 5mg/day every two to four weeks, down to a total daily dose of 30mg 
• 2mg/day every two to four weeks, down to a total daily dose of 20mg 
• 1mg/day every two to four weeks, until stopped. 

Example reduction regimes