A pilot randomized clinical trial evaluating the feasibility, acceptability, and preliminary efficacy of a cognitive-behavioral therapy adjunct to support benzodiazepine tapering among primary care patients coprescribed benzodiazepines and opioids.
Kate Wolitzky-Taylor, Michael Otto, Allison Metts et al.
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In 30 seconds
This pilot randomized clinical trial evaluated the feasibility, acceptability, and preliminary efficacy of cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) as an adjunct to benzodiazepine tapering in adults prescribed both benzodiazepines and opioids. Among 40 participants, approximately 60% in both treatment groups achieved at least a 50% reduction in benzodiazepine dose by the 2-month follow-up, indicating potential benefits of the CBT approach.
Key findings
- Approximately 60% of participants in both groups achieved at least a 50% reduction in benzodiazepine dose.
- Effect sizes suggested advantages for BZT + CBT over BZT + HE for anxiety severity at posttreatment (d = 0.86).
- Similar findings were observed for pain catastrophizing and anxiety sensitivity between the two groups.
Why it matters
The co-prescription of benzodiazepines and opioids poses significant risks, including overdose. Effective strategies to taper benzodiazepines while managing anxiety could enhance patient safety and treatment outcomes in primary care settings.