Benzodiazepine Withdrawal: Symptoms, Timeline, and Treatment

If your patient has self-diagnosed their physiologic dependence on benzodiazepines, there is a good chance that they have done it via internet searches and contacts. There is a set of well-established terms in common use in the online benzodiazepine withdrawal sufferer community. Prescriber-patient communication can be eased and facilitated when the prescriber takes the time to understand these terms. The evidence-based literature does not use this terminology, but does speak to spikes in severity of symptoms . Many prescribers report that they have long-term benzodiazepine users who have a variety of complaints that the prescriber believes are related to benzodiazepine tolerance.

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Yet, the euphoria they provide often conceals a complex challenge their potential for dependency and the subsequent withdrawal syndrome. This article delves into the intricate landscape of Benzodiazepine withdrawal syndrome (BWS), exploring its manifestations, underlying mechanisms, and the physical and psychological hurdles it poses for individuals striving to regain their lives. By shedding light on this under-discussed phenomenon, one can aim to provide valuable insights for both those experiencing BWS and the healthcare professionals guiding them toward a journey of recovery and healing. A neonatal withdrawal syndrome, sometimes severe, can occur when the mother had taken benzodiazepines, especially during the third trimester.

How Long Does Withdrawal From Benzodiazepines Last?

Withdrawal symptoms can occur after as little as one month of use, even on small, therapeutic doses. Among people taking benzodiazepines for longer than six months, about 40% experience moderate to severe withdrawal symptoms when they quit suddenly. The following is a list of some of the symptoms experienced during withdrawal from benzodiazepines, as extracted from the benzodiazepine withdrawal syndrome page of Wikipedia and other sources.

Signs and Symptoms of Benzodiazepine Withdrawal

Click here to access the reference library, which provides links to over 1000 benzodiazepine-related scholarly papers. Yes, untreated benzodiazepine withdrawal syndrome can lead to seizures, psychosis, and even death what is Oxford House in severe cases. Some people may also feel nauseous, experience headaches, have difficulty concentrating, or feel like they are in a fog. It’s essential to seek medical guidance when discontinuing benzodiazepines to manage withdrawal symptoms safely and effectively. These factors don’t guarantee you’ll have severe withdrawal symptoms, but they can increase your vulnerability.

• Gradual tapering, psychological support, and lifestyle adjustments are vital for successful management.
• The detox itself will happen with high levels of medical support and round-the-clock monitoring to ensure safety and comfort.
• The lessening of symptoms is termed a “window”, as in a window to the patient’s condition prior to exposure to benzodiazepines.
• They could rate each problem as nonexistent, mild, moderate, severe, quite severe, or enormous.
• The physician must also assist and guide the patient through this critical recovery period.

While some substitutive pharmacotherapies may have promise, current evidence is insufficient to support their use. Some studies found that the abrupt substitution of substitutive pharmacotherapy was actually less effective than gradual dose reduction alone, and only three studies found benefits of adding melatonin, paroxetine, trazodone, or valproate in conjunction with a gradual dose reduction. It has been postulated that when benzodiazepines are cleared from the brain, these neuroadaptations are “unmasked”, leading to unopposed excitability of the neuron. Glutamate is the most abundant excitatory neurotransmitter in the vertebrate nervous system. Increased glutamate excitatory activity during withdrawal may lead to sensitisation or kindling of the CNS, possibly leading to worsening cognition and symptomatology and making each subsequent withdrawal period worse. Those who have a prior history of withdrawing benzodiazepine withdrawal from benzodiazepines are found to be less likely to succeed the next time around.

• It can also help you learn to identify psychological triggers that may cause you to relapse so that you can avoid them in the future.
• A slow withdrawal rate significantly reduces the risk of a protracted or severe withdrawal state.
• Yet, the euphoria they provide often conceals a complex challenge their potential for dependency and the subsequent withdrawal syndrome.
• These ions change the neuron’s electrical charge, so it has to work much harder to activate and send signals.
• Collaborating these different methods aids in reaching an accurate diagnosis and developing an appropriate treatment plan for the individual experiencing benzodiazepine withdrawal syndrome.

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This approach helps you learn to tolerate discomfort and distress, instead of avoiding it, and choose to live according to your values. According to the National Center for PTSD, the most beneficial kind of therapy for benzodiazepine withdrawal is cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT). This type of therapy can help you challenge and reframe unhelpful beliefs and behaviors and replace them with more productive ones.

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In other words, your body may rely on benzodiazepines to function if you take them frequently and for more than a short period of time. Prescription drug detox typically begins with an assessment so professionals can gain an understanding of your level of physical and psychological dependence on the drug. At this stage, medications and therapies can be used to ease your withdrawal symptoms. It is crucial to consult a healthcare professional before attempting to discontinue Benzodiazepines.

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• Healthcare providers may prescribe medications to alleviate specific symptoms, such as antidepressants for mood disturbances or anticonvulsants for seizures.
• For this reason, discontinuation is sometimes carried out by first substituting an equivalent dose of a short-acting benzodiazepine with a longer-acting one like diazepam or chlordiazepoxide.
• It is crucial for individuals withdrawing from benzodiazepines to seek medical supervision to manage these potential complications effectively.
• There is a set of well-established terms in common use in the online benzodiazepine withdrawal sufferer community.
• Further improvements were noted at the 52-week follow-up, indicating ongoing improvements with benzodiazepine abstinence.

Benzodiazepine withdrawal syndrome can develop after as little as one month of use. Approximately 40% of those who take benzos for more than six months experience moderate to severe withdrawal symptoms when they abruptly stop taking them. The severity and length of the withdrawal syndrome is likely determined by various factors, including rate of tapering, length of use and dosage size, and possible genetic factors.