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A patient has been treated with alprazolam 1 mg three times daily for panic disorder for 12 months. Upon discontinuation of therapy, the alprazolam should be tapered over how many weeks to minimize withdrawal and reduce the chance of relapse?

A. 2
B. 4
C. 6
D. 12

Answer :

Final answer:

For discontinuing alprazolam tapering after long-term use, a tapering period of approximately 4 to 8 weeks is recommended to minimize withdrawal symptoms and reduce the chance of relapse. The best answer from the provided choices is 4 weeks.

Explanation:

The question relates to the tapering schedule for discontinuing alprazolam, a medication used to treat panic disorder. Alprazolam is a part of the benzodiazepine class of drugs, which also includes bromazepam, clonazepam, diazepam, and others. When discontinuing benzodiazepines, particularly after long-term use, it is crucial to taper the dosage gradually to minimize the risk of withdrawal symptoms and rebound anxiety, which can lead to a relapse.

There is no single tapering schedule that works for every individual, as the optimal schedule can vary based on a variety of factors, including the dosage and duration of use. However, in general, a slow taper over the course of several weeks is recommended. Although specific tapering schedules can range from 2 to over 12 weeks, a reasonable guideline would be to taper over approximately 4 to 8 weeks. This allows the body to adjust to lower doses incrementally, minimizing withdrawal symptoms. Therefore, the best answer among the provided options would be B. 4 weeks, noting that some patients may require an even more extended period, particularly if they have been on a high dose or have been taking the medication for a very long duration.

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