What is the recommended duration of benzodiazepines for anxiety treatment?

The recommended duration of benzodiazepines for anxiety treatment is short-term use. This is primarily due to the potential for dependence and tolerance that can develop with prolonged use. Benzodiazepines are effective for providing immediate relief from acute anxiety symptoms but are not intended as a long-term solution for managing anxiety disorders.

Short-term use is generally defined as a few weeks to a couple of months, which allows patients to benefit from the medication while minimizing the risk of developing a dependency. In many cases, clinicians will recommend transitioning to other forms of treatment, such as psychotherapy or SSRI medications, after the initial short-term use of benzodiazepines.

Long-term use would typically expose patients to greater risks of withdrawal symptoms and increased tolerance, making it less favorable. Variability in patient response can occur, but it does not dictate a standard recommendation of duration since benzodiazepines are still used as a short-term intervention. Indefinite use is not advisable due to the heightened risk of side effects and dependence, thereby reinforcing the importance of using benzodiazepines for a limited duration.