FAQs about SafeTaper

 

What is SafeTaper?

SafeTaper is a specialty medical practice. Our expertise is benzodiazepine de-prescribing. We use a modified version of the Ashton Manual to gradually taper patients off benzodiazepines. This is a telemedicine service with an out-patient level-of-care; we are an online medical practice with no physical office. We are a direct-care service, meaning we bill monthly (currently $550/mo) and do not accept insurance; patients get prompt access to a prescriber, with communication-turnaround within 1 business day.

What ISN’T SafeTaper?

SafeTaper is not an emergency-medicine service. We are not a primary care service, and not a psychiatric service. We do not prescribe opioids.

Who can get scheduled for a consultation?

Patients must be at least age 18, and California residents. Patients must already be currently taking a benzodiazepine, or have stopped within the prior 6 weeks.

Who CAN’T get schedule for a consultation?

We cannot serve patients who are under age 18, are not California residents, or require acute detoxification, inpatient care, or residential treatment.

How long does it take to taper off benzos safely?

The tapers we design for patients are individually customized and highly variable. However, most patients can successfully taper within 12-18 months.

Who is SafeTaper’s founder, Dr. Lepp?

Dr. Lepp is a board-certified family doctor, board-certified by the American Board of Family Medicine, and also board-certified in addiction medicine by the American Board of Preventive Medicine. Dr. Lepp is licensed to practice medicine in California by the Medical Board of California, and was trained by Dr. Anna Lembke, the Chief of Addiction Medicine at Stanford.

Has Dr. Lepp successfully tapered patients off of benzodiazepeines?

Yes, Dr. Lepp has worked in his specialty of addiction medicine for over 3 years, and has successfully tapered numerous patients off of benzodiazepines.

How can a new patient sign up for SafeTaper?

New prospective patients can schedule a free consultation call with a prescriber at safetaper.com/freeconsultation, or email hello@safetaper.com for more information.

FAQs about Benzodiazepines

 

What are some common examples of benzodiazepines?

  • Diazepam: Valium, Valtoco, Zetran, Diazepam Intensol.

  • Alprazolam: Xanax, Xanax XR, Niravam.

  • Clonazepam: Klonopin, Klonopin Wafer.

  • Lorazepam: Ativan, Loreev XR.

  • Temazepam: Restoril.

  • Chlordiazepoxide: Librium, Librax.

  • Midazolam: Nayzilam.

  • Triazolam: Halcion.

What should I do during a benzodiazepine overdose?

Call 911 immediately. In an emergency setting, medical professionals may be able to administer the intravenous benzodiazepine antagonist Flumazenil to reverse the overdose.

What is a benzodiazepine and how does it work?

Benzodiazepines (“benzos”) are sedative medications that work in the central nervous system by acting on amma-aminobutyric acid-A (GABA-A) receptors in the brain and allowing chloride ions to enter the neuron. Benzodiazepines attach to GABA-A receptors and make the nerves in the brain less sensitive to stimulation, which has a sedating effect; benzodiazepines are used for a variety of medical conditions. Overall, this action allows the neuron to become negatively charged and resistant to excitation, which leads to the various anti-anxiety, sedative, or anti-seizure activities seen with these drugs.

Why do doctors prescribe benzodiazepines in the first place?

  • Anxiety/depression (anxiolytic).

  • Panic disorder.

  • Sleep disorders.

  • Muscle relaxant for acute painful spasms.

  • Seizure treatment/prevention.

  • Acute alcohol withdrawal.

  • For relaxation and amnesia before surgeries.

What are common “side effects” of benzodiazepine use?

  • Amnesia/forgetfulness.

  • Imbalance/unsteadiness when walking or standing.

  • Confusion.

  • Constipation.

  • Nausea.

  • Sexual dysfunction.

  • Slower/shallower breathing.

  • Vision problems.

What are common contra-indications of benzodiazepines?

  • Risk of fatal overdose increases when combined with alcohol or other sedatives (opioids, barbiturates, antidepressants.

  • Don’t drive or operate heavy machinery under the influence of benzodiazepines.

  • Grapefruit and certain herbs have interactions with benzodiazepines that increase side effects, so discuss with your doctor before using: Kava, St. John’s Wort, Grapefruit, Grapefruit Juice.

  • Patients who are pregnant or breastfeeding should discuss with their doctors before using benzodiazepines.

  • Patients with liver disease, especially people taking liver medications, should discuss with a doctor whether to avoid full doses of benzodiazepines.

What are common ways to reduce anxiety without benzos?

  • Cognitive behavioral therapy.

  • Calming and relaxation techniques including meditation, yoga, and tai chi.

  • Daily exercise, especially earlier in the day.

  • Sleep hygiene practices.

Is it true that some people’s bodies eliminate benzodiazepines more slowly than others?

Yes, elderly people and people with impaired livers metabolize benzodiazepines more slowly than healthy young people.

What is the legal status of benzodiazepines in the USA?

Benzodiazepines are listed under Schedule 4 of the U.S. Controlled Substances Act, and are only legally available with a prescription (not over-the-counter). It is illegal for an individual (who is not a pharmacy) to sell or distribute benzodiazepines. It is illegal to possess benzodiazepines without a prescription.