Experiences with benzodiazepine use, tapering, and discontinuation: an Internet survey.

Background: Over 92 million prescriptions for benzodiazepines are dispensed in the United States annually, yet little is known about the experiences of those taking and discontinuing them.

Objective: The aim of this study is to assess the experiences of those taking, tapering, or having discontinued benzodiazepines.

Methods: An online survey ( = 1207) elicited information about benzodiazepine use, including long-term use, tapering, discontinuation, and withdrawal symptoms.