There is a risk that people who quit benzodiazepines without a taper may experience a life-threatening grand mal seizure. If you go into withdrawal without tapering, you also risk experiencing delirium and hallucinations that cause you to lose touch with reality—a terrifying and dangerous experience. The best way to quit benzodiazepines is to avoid withdrawal by asking your doctor to taper down your dose. Tapering means taking progressively smaller doses over the course of a few weeks or months. If you have been using benzodiazepines for longer than six months, suddenly stopping your dose can cause grand mal seizures and delirium—this is why it’s best to involve your doctor or healthcare professional in your withdrawal process. From 1996 to 2013, the number of people filling benzodiazepine prescriptions increased by 67%.
Passaro et al. described an increased risk of falls in elderly hospitalized patients prescribed short-acting BZD [23]. For mothers with BZD use during pregnancy, there is a risk of premature birth and low birth weight. Their relative safety compared to fellow depressants or barbiturates have increased the rate at which they are prescribed [25]. The dependence on BZDs generally leads to withdrawal symptoms, benzodiazepine withdrawal which necessitates careful tapering of the medication when prescribed [26]. Individuals may experience tingling in their arms and legs, muscle twitches, prolonged anxiety and insomnia, and cognitive deficits as well as depression and mood swings that may be difficult to manage. Mental health services and support beyond medical detox include therapy and counseling to manage protracted withdrawal symptoms.
Benzodiazepines: Uses, Dangers, and Clinical Considerations
Another interesting finding was that after the discontinuation of captodamine treatment, there was no emergence of withdrawal symptoms, suggesting that captodiamine might have a different mechanism of anxiolysis than BZD [70]. Additionally, during captodiamine treatment, psychomotor function improved in all areas tested from beginning to end of treatment [70]. It must be noted that these patients were taking relatively low doses of BZD pre-treatment [70]. Captodiamine is showing promise as a potential medication for the management of BZD withdrawal syndrome; however, more research needs to be performed on the side effects and safety profile of the drug. The risk of falls leading to injuries in elderly BZD users is significantly increased in patients greater than 80 years old, while the increased risk is not significant in patients under 80 [22].
- A major disadvantage of benzodiazepines is that tolerance to therapeutic effects develops relatively quickly while many adverse effects persist.
- In some cases, the symptoms of post-acute withdrawal may last a year or more.
- For instance, snorting or injecting benzos sends the drugs straight into the bloodstream to take almost instant effect.
- Many instances of benzodiazepine withdrawal have resulted in serious, life-threatening complications.
As withdrawal progresses, patients often find their physical and mental health improves with improved mood and improved cognition. Withdrawal may start between either within a few hours of the last dose up to several days later, depending on the type of benzodiazepine medication taken and its half-life. A drug’s half-life is the length of time it takes for the drug to leave the bloodstream. Tapering is usually done to ensure your safety and to minimize the risk of seizures during https://ecosoberhouse.com/article/alcohol-allergies-symptoms-and-signs/. This process involves gradually reducing the dose over a period of days or weeks to reduce the impact of immediate medical removal from the body.
The benzodiazepine withdrawal syndrome
During a crisis, people who are hard of hearing can use their preferred relay service or dial 711 then 988. A 2018 analysis also revealed that drug misuse accounts for about 17% of benzodiazepine use among adults in the United States. Some symptoms may appear without warning and can be a significant source of distress. Withdrawal symptoms may vary from person to person, although there are some common symptoms. Some supplements, such as valerian and melatonin, might also help you get some relief from your symptoms, but research has found mixed results.
Benzo withdrawals can be severe, and life threatening complications can occur. A healthcare professional should supervise benzo withdrawal to help monitor and manage the symptoms. The Drug Enforcement Agency (DEA) classify benzodiazepines as a Schedule IV controlled substance. According to the classification, these drugs have a low potential for abuse and low risk of dependence. Withdrawal symptoms may be mild in people who take the drugs for short periods.
