Electroacupuncture for tapering off long-term benzodiazepine use: A randomized controlled trial

ConclusionsElectroacupuncture showed a similar cessation rate in benzodiazepine use to that of non-invasive placebo acupuncture in long-term users during a 4-week gradual tapering schedule. The evidence did not support advantages of electroacupuncture over non-invasive placebo acupuncture on reducing insomnia, anxiety, depression, or other withdrawal symptoms during the gradual tapering schedule. Despite a 40% decrease in the benzodiazepine usage in both groups, the effects may be attributed to the non-specific effects of acupuncture.Trial RegistrationClinicalTrials.gov # NCT02475538.
Source: Journal of Psychiatric Research - Category: Psychiatry Source Type: research