Deprescription of benzodiazepines and its management according to an overlapping strategy with a low-dose multicomponent medication: a Delphi consensus.

Background: About 20% of adults and between 6% and 13% of children experience mild to moderate anxiety and stress-related symptoms. Benzodiazepines (BZDs) are considered the referring medications for early-stage anxiety and stress-related symptoms management. Nevertheless, BZDs must be managed carefully because their use, especially chronic, could be linked with some adverse effects, and can promote the onset of psychological and physical dependence. They also often show progressive tolerance, necessitating an increase in dosage, and therefore their use should be discouraged. In the clinical management of patients with pathological/dysfunctional anxiety, one of the main issues related to the discontinuation of BZDs treatment is the occurrence of rebound effects and withdrawal syndrome, especially in subjects with certain personality disorders and poly-drug users. The deprescription of BZDs is advisable with the availability of other therapies and interventions, especially in elderly subjects. Therefore, an effective and safe alternative pharmacological tool for mild to moderate anxiety and stress-related symptoms is needed. After the identification of potentially new medications to flank BZDs, it is mandatory to revise and improve good clinical practices even through a consensus process.

Methods: Taking into consideration all the above-mentioned premises, the present Delphi Consensus Study has explored whether there is agreement about the use of the low-dose multicomponent natural medication Ignatia-Heel in overlapping with BZDs is appropriate for the reduction and potential discontinuation of BZDs intake in patients on chronic BZDs treatment.

Results: The Consensus Study also explored the possibility to maintain symptom remission or low disease activity with the long-term use of Ignatia-Heel in patients with pathological/dysfunctional anxiety, after clinical remission achieved with BZDs. For each questionnaire statement, consensus was achieved (being based on the agreement of at least 66.6% of the Consensus Panel and the acceptance of the scientific committee).

Conclusions: Ignatia-Heel can be considered a valid opportunity for the treatment of pathological anxiety favoring the deprescription of BZDs in patients under chronic BZDs treatment and the maintenance of a good control of symptomatology, i.e., a good low disease activity.