Coming Off Prescription Drugs: Withdrawal and Detox Explained

If the person’s original symptoms return once they stop taking prescription benzodiazepines, doctors may also prescribe a different class of medications, or other drugs or therapies, to help manage them during withdrawal. These factors don’t guarantee you’ll have severe withdrawal symptoms, but they can increase your vulnerability. So, your doctor may recommend a slower taper schedule as a safety precaution. It’s incredibly important to follow your doctor’s guidance when you stop taking benzodiazepines.

What is the most important information I should know about benzodiazepine withdrawal?

It is essential to understand that each individual may experience withdrawal differently based on various factors, such as the type of benzodiazepine used, the dosage, and how long the medication was taken. It’s crucial to seek guidance from a healthcare provider when considering stopping or changing benzodiazepine treatment to minimize the risk of withdrawal symptoms. It is as if the nervous system has a “memory” of the withdrawal(s) and/or Sobriety damage from a substance like benzodiazepines. This “memory” of prior withdrawal(s) and/or damage somehow remains “imprinted” within the nervous system. Indeed this process may well be the etiology of the increasing difficulty persons face the longer they continue to use benzodiazepines, even if only episodically. Psychological factors such as anxiety and fear of withdrawal can also exacerbate the syndrome.

Symptoms

• Prescriber-patient communication can be eased and facilitated when the prescriber takes the time to understand these terms.
• In addition to the immediate health risk, benzodiazepine withdrawal can seriously affect your quality of life.
• Among respondents whose symptoms lasted months or years, over half said caffeine or alcohol worsened their PAWS symptoms.

Benzodiazepines represented in the survey included clonazepam (taken by 52.9 percent), alprazolam (41.7 percent), lorazepam (36.1 percent), and diazepam (32.1 percent). Of those surveyed, 43.7 percent said “situational anxiety” was the leading reason for their prescription, with insomnia or sleep disturbances second at 40.3 percent, and panic attacks third at 39.3 percent. Other therapies, including counseling and cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), may be helpful for people looking to manage symptoms without relying on other drugs. Research indicates that physical dependence may begin in just a few weeks, even while taking the drugs in low therapeutic doses. Practices such as drug tapering or using other drugs to help ease withdrawal may make early withdrawal symptoms milder and more manageable. During the early stages of withdrawal, the person may notice the symptoms of the condition that the drug was treating start to return, or rebound.

About Medical News Today

Benzo withdrawal can be a stressful process, but it is often necessary for people trying to get themselves off benzodiazepine drugs. More severe reactions or withdrawals may also be more likely when taking strong drugs either for long periods or alongside other types of medications. Dependence appears to occur in a similar way to how it does with other addictive drugs. Dopamine is a type of messenger that is partly responsible for how humans feel pleasure. Supportive counseling and other targeted therapies or medications may help a person manage the symptoms and improve their quality of life. Emerging research also suggests acceptance and commitment therapy (ACT) could also have benefits during benzodiazepine withdrawal.

Protracted withdrawal syndrome refers to symptoms persisting for months or even years. A significant minority of people withdrawing from benzodiazepines, protracted withdrawal syndrome which can sometimes be severe. Tinnitus occurring during dose reduction or discontinuation of benzodiazepines is alleviated by recommencement of benzodiazepines.

• Emerging research also suggests acceptance and commitment therapy (ACT) could also have benefits during benzodiazepine withdrawal.
• According to the classification, these drugs have a low potential for abuse and low risk of dependence.
• For expert support, contact Priory for a free addiction assessment, where you’ll speak with an addiction specialist who can guide you towards the best treatment plan for your recovery.
• Research indicates that physical dependence may begin in just a few weeks, even while taking the drugs in low therapeutic doses.
• These can include anxiety, irritability, restlessness, insomnia, muscle stiffness, tremors, sweating, and even seizures in severe cases.
• More severe reactions or withdrawals may also be more likely when taking strong drugs either for long periods or alongside other types of medications.

If someone is experiencing these symptoms during or after Benzodiazepine discontinuation, seeking medical guidance is essential for proper management. If withdrawal symptoms become severe, doctors may prescribe other medications. They will make this decision on a case-by-case basis, depending on the type and severity of the symptoms affecting the individual. Withdrawal symptoms may be mild in people who take the drugs for short periods. However, there is still a possibility of severe reactions and withdrawal symptoms. Withdrawal symptoms from short-acting drugs, such as Xanax, may come on faster than withdrawal symptoms from long-acting drugs, such as Valium.

The medication Romazicon (flumazenil) is sometimes used off-label for withdrawal symptoms. Benzodiazepine withdrawal can be risky, so it is best to work with a doctor. Depending on which benzodiazepine you are currently taking, your doctor may want to switch you to a different one before your taper begins. Short-acting benzodiazepines complicate withdrawal with too many ups and benzodiazepine withdrawal downs.