A patient presents with agitation, tremors, and anxiety after missing benzodiazepine doses. Which statement best reflects appropriate next steps?

• A. Refill the current prescription
• B. Refer to inpatient detoxification
• C. Initiate outpatient benzodiazepine taper
• D. Prescribe barbiturates to ease withdrawal

Answer: (B)

Benzodiazepine withdrawal can be dangerous, with risk of seizures and other serious complications if not managed in a controlled setting. When a patient presents with agitation, tremors, and anxiety after missing doses, it signals clinically significant withdrawal that benefits from medical supervision and a structured taper. Inpatient detoxification provides continuous monitoring, the ability to start a supervised taper using a long-acting benzodiazepine, and rapid management of any escalating symptoms or complications. This approach helps safely reduce dependence while preventing withdrawal-related harm and supports the patient in transitioning to a planned, longer-term taper or stabilization plan.

Refilling the same prescription would not address the withdrawal risks and could perpetuate dependence. An outpatient taper is possible in milder cases or with strong support and stability, but the current symptoms point to a scenario where inpatient management offers the safest, most effective monitoring and dosing. Prescribing barbiturates to ease withdrawal is not appropriate due to safety concerns and the risk of new dependence; they are not the preferred method for managing benzodiazepine withdrawal.