Benzodiazepines are a group of central nervous system depressants used to treat anxiety, insomnia, and seizures.
The primary difference between these drugs is the length of time they stay active in the body.
However, benzodiazepines cancause physical dependenceand withdrawal even when they are taken as directed.
Verywell / Gary Ferster
Verywell / Gary Ferster
Overview of Benzodiazepine Withdrawal
Benzodiazepine use has become widespread.
In 2016, estimates suggest that about half a million people in the United States misused sedative drugs.
Benzodiazepines can be habit-forming.
Anyone taking them on a daily basis can develop a tolerance and dependence.
When you are physically dependent on a drug, it means your body cant operate normally without it.
If you stop or reduce your dose suddenly, you will experience withdrawal symptoms.
Withdrawing from benzodiazepines can be a difficult, even dangerous process.
you’re able to expect to feel anxious and on edge for several weeks.
You might feel irritable and hypersensitive to everything around you.
Insomnia is also common.
During the first week, you could also expect physical symptoms like headaches and hand tremors.
The other 60% experience mild symptoms.
The onset of benzodiazepine withdrawal depends on the specific medication you are taking.
However, some people find they last for several weeks.
Protracted withdrawal is a long-term withdrawal syndrome that may come and go for several months.
Symptoms will be milder than acute withdrawal and they can disappear for weeks at a time.
Protracted withdrawal rarely lasts longer than one year.
Tapering means taking progressively smaller doses over the course of a few weeks or months.
Benzodiazepine withdrawal can be risky, so it is best to work with a doctor.
Short-acting benzodiazepines complicate withdrawal with too many ups and downs.
Diazepam, a long-acting benzodiazepine, is the most common choice for dose tapering.
There is no standard tapering schedule for you to follow.
Your doctor will help make an individualized tapering schedule based on your current dose and particular circumstances.
Some people taper quickly, finishing up within two to three weeks.
Others taper slowly over the course of several months.
During your taper, you may still experience some of the symptoms of withdrawal.
This can happen after each dose reduction.
Your doctor can pause or slow down the taper if your symptoms are intolerable.
To cope with these breakthrough symptoms, it helps to have a backup plan for dealing with anxiety.
The medication Romazicon (flumazenil) is sometimes used off-label for withdrawal symptoms.
Benzodiazepine Withdrawal Warnings
Benzodiazepine withdrawal can be dangerous when not handled properly.
There is a risk that people who quit benzodiazepines without a taper may experience a life-threatening grand mal seizure.
Some drugs are safe to quit on your own, but benzodiazepines are not.
However, that doesnt necessarily mean you will require inpatient care.
This will prevent you from altering the taper, but it might mean frequent trips to the pharmacy.
Quitting benzodiazepines means that underlying psychiatric symptoms can reemerge worse than ever before.
These may include:
Inpatient treatment can be costly, depending on the facility.
However, the costs may be covered by your insurance.
Benzodiazepine use in pregnancy carries some risks.
However, going through any withdrawal during pregnancy also has its risks.
Your doctor can help you weigh the potential risks and benefits of benzodiazepine use and your pregnancy.
Typically, this is a combination of therapy and pharmacologic support.
This is particularly true if you are also giving up other substances, like alcohol or opioids.
Psychotherapy can help you understand the root cause of your substance abuse problems.
Resources
The best resource in your quest to quit benzodiazepines is your prescribing doctor.
If you prefer someone else, any primary care physician or psychiatrist can help you taper your dose.
you might also call SAMHSAs national helpline at 1-800-662-HELP (4357) to find a provider in your area.
For more mental health resources, see ourNational Helpline Database.
(HHS Publication No.
SMA 17-5044, NSDUH Series H-52).
2014;77(2):285-94. doi:10.1111/bcp.12023
Brett J, Murnion B.Management of benzodiazepine misuse and dependence.Aust Prescr.
5th ed, text revision.
Washington, D.C.; 2022.
2014;77(2):285-294. doi:10.1111/bcp.12023
