FDA Starting to Correct Online Search Information
On August 26, 2022, the Alliance notified the FDA that online searches for prescribing information (a.k.a. “label”) for benzodiazepines list the FDA as #1 or #2 resources, and these links yield old, incorrect info from the FDA. The Alliance asked the FDA to correct this. Almost 2 years later, the FDA got creative and is putting this warning on BZD labels:
This label may not be the latest approved by FDA. For current labeling information, please visit https://www.fda.gov/drugsatfda
Alliance Responds to BZD Promotional Paper
Late in 2023, a group of senior clinicians published a medical paper advocating the long-term use of benzos. Since this is contrary to the lived experience of those harmed by benzos, the evidence of dozens of studies and the guidance of the FDA, the Alliance spearheaded the publication of a rebuttal, correcting some of the erroneous assertions.
New Alliance Research on Prescribing and Deprescribing Guidance
The research paper includes a scoping review of evidence-based best practices and consensus pharmacologic guidance on prescriptive management for unipolar depression, anxiety disorders, obsessive-compulsive disorders, post-traumatic stress disorders and insomnia.
Out Now: New Videos and Shorts on our Youtube Channel
We are regularly uploading new content and interviews to our Youtube channel, where you can learn about benzos, the experiences of people who have dealt with the challenges of long-term benzo use, and get insights from medical professionals. Subscribe toady to the Benzo Reform Youtube!
Alliance Medical Director Appears in International News Series
Dr. Alexis Ritvo shared her expertise on the latest episode of Radio Canada's 'Enquête'. The episode’s title translates to 'prescription nightmare' in French, focusing on the problem of benzodiazepine overprescription and harm.
New Benzodiazepine Studies Seeking Participants
There are two different research projects that need your participation! Experts are looking for individuals with experience taking, using, and/or withdrawing from benzos. These surveys will be anonymous and could prove to be extremely helpful in making beneficial changes to the way benzos are prescribed and viewed.
Survey for Autistic and Neurotypical Individuals Survey Linking Pre-Benzo Experiences to BIND
Benzo Crisis
Long-Term Usage often results in Long-Term Harm
- The medical literature shows that benzos can be safe and effective only when used for <2-4 weeks for specific diagnoses.
- They are often dangerously over-prescribed, and have been proven to often cause physiological dependence and foster a withdrawal syndrome.
- Can cause long-term disfunction (BIND)
Quick Links
A sampling of Alliance resources.
- We have developed a set of tools to help patients with challenges that they face.
- We produce CME courses and have created guidelines for prescribers.
- We produce evidence-based research papers.
- Learn more about benzos.
Prescriber Alert
Possible Incorrect Information from FDA
- Online searches for prescribing information for benzos list the FDA as #1 or #2 resources. These links may yield incorrect information from the FDA.
- The restrictions on opioid co-prescription (2016) and long-term use (2020) may not be not included in the information presented by the FDA in online searches.
The FDA is listening to your concerns about benzodiazepines or Z-drugs, but only when you report your experience to the FDA, especially your personal narrative.
What’s New
- New Maudsley deprescribing guidelines available: This can be viewed as a significant update to the Ashton Manual, which introduces non-linear tapering and embraces the concept of a patient-led taper. See the Resources page for details.
- A new research paper featuring an international scoping review on prescribing and deprescribing guidance for benzodiazepines and Z-drugs has been published. This multi-year project was led and contributed to by several Alliance scientists. Click here to read the article.
- The Alliance 2023 annual report highlights our work and accomplishments over the past year, click here to see what we’ve been up to.
- New Paper Out Now: ‘We need more support and doctors that understand the process of tapering …’ The aim of this study was to conduct a content analysis of the views and experiences of discontinuing long-term BZRA use. Click here read the paper
Coming Soon
- Deprescription Guidelines from ASAM and FDA will be out for public comment in June, stay tuned for updates and how to share your opinion.
- New deprescription phone apps are being researched and developed by 2 research groups to help patients with their tapering process, stay tuned for updates.
Raising Benzo Awareness and Empowering Patients
The Alliance is launching a new campaign across our social media channels to help share real stories from people who have been affected by benzodiazepines. Click here to learn more.
Our Programs
The Alliance has many programs that will help prescribers make evidence-based decisions and will help patients get the help they need. We are composed of professionals dedicated to solving the benzodiazepine crisis.
Patient’s Guide to the Site
If you are currently prescribed or have previously taken benzodiazepines, you may be experiencing the pain and confusion of dependence or withdrawal. These steps will help you navigate our site and the resources for recovery.
Information for Prescribers
Although helpful for short-term use, benzodiazepines and Z-drugs do not provide safe and effective options over the long term for such conditions as anxiety and insomnia, where they are commonly and inappropriately used. There is evidence to support alternative methods for treatment and prescription practices.
Resources
Directly access guidelines, drug labels and more. Our unique BZD and Z-drug library is sorted by categories, and feature tables of contents for easy access to over 1000 papers.
Each year, thousands of adults and teens are harmed by benzodiazepine due to over-prescribing.
We help individuals get the help they need, and we help prescribers offer better practices.
Though impossible to express
my appreciation, I want to
thank you for your willingness
to address this difficult issue.
Your hard work has been, and
continues to be, an inspiration
and motivation for me to
advocate and educate more.
Melissa, author of a book on patient experience
Thank you again for looking
into this and your time and
research. You and your
organization are making a
difference.
Janice, PhD sociologist
I love the website by the way...
it's an awesome resource!
Anthony, BZIS sufferer
Yes! I will do as you've
suggested to get on the right
path, asap. I have been
searching for a long tie and
have not been able to find the
right people.
Betty, mother of a BZIS sufferer
Facts About Benzodiazepines
1 person in 8
BZD Prescription Rate
57%
Chance of suffering BIND
after 4 weeks’ use
>300K
MedWatch BZRA
Problem Reports
>65K
Deaths involving BZDs
(MedWatch)
Facts About the Alliance
11
Scientific papers published
8
Scientific papers being written
59
CME Courses Delivered
11,000
Prescribers educated
>200K
Projected future BZD dependencies avoided
Follow the Latest Benzodiazepine and Z-drug Developments
- Proposed Benzodiazepine Tapering GuidelineWhat is it? Since 2022, the American Society of Addiction Medicine (ASAM) has been working on producing a set of recommendations to guide practitioners in the often-difficult task of helping benzodiazepine-dependent patients discontinue this medication. The ASAM Clinical Practice Guideline on Benzodiazepine Tapering has gone through several iterations and reviews. Even before being written, this… Read More »Proposed Benzodiazepine Tapering Guideline
- ASAM Guidelines Public CommentNow is your chance to make your voice heard! The American Society of Addiction Medicine (ASAM) has opened the period for public comment on the first national benzo deprescription (tapering) guidelines. These guidelines will be how clinicians will treat their benzo patients for at least the next 10 years. It is very important that these… Read More »ASAM Guidelines Public Comment
- JobsDirector of Development and Business (Posted 2/26/24) The Alliance for Benzodiazepine Best Practices is seeking to add our first Director ofDevelopment and Business to our team. The Director is responsible for planning,organizing, and directing the Alliance’s fundraising and business activities inaccordance with our strategic plan. Click here to view the entire job posting. To apply,… Read More »Jobs