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

Area of Science:

• Integrative Medicine
• Clinical Trials
• Pharmacology

Background:

• Long-term benzodiazepine use is associated with dependence and withdrawal symptoms.
• Effective strategies for benzodiazepine cessation are needed.

Purpose of the Study:

• To evaluate electroacupuncture as an adjunct for benzodiazepine cessation in long-term users.
• To compare electroacupuncture with placebo acupuncture during a tapering schedule.

Main Methods:

• Randomized, assessor- and subject-blinded, controlled trial.
• 144 long-term benzodiazepine users received electroacupuncture or placebo acupuncture with gradual tapering for 4 weeks.
• Assessed benzodiazepine cessation, usage, withdrawal, insomnia, anxiety, and depression.

Main Results:

• Cessation rates at 12 weeks post-treatment were 9.17% for electroacupuncture and 10.83% for placebo.
• Both groups showed ~40% reduction in benzodiazepine usage by week 16.
• No significant between-group differences in cessation, usage reduction, or secondary outcomes.

Conclusions:

• Electroacupuncture did not demonstrate superiority over placebo acupuncture for benzodiazepine cessation.
• No significant advantages were found for reducing withdrawal symptoms, insomnia, anxiety, or depression.
• Observed effects may be due to non-specific acupuncture effects.