Benzodiazepine withdrawal syndrome

Benzodiazepine withdrawal syndrome, often abbreviated to benzo withdrawal or BZD withdrawal, describes the cluster of signs and symptoms that emerge when an individual, who has developed a physical dependence on benzodiazepines, undergoes dosage reduction or discontinuation. This can occur in individuals who have been taking the medication either medically or recreationally.

Diazepam

Development of Dependence and Withdrawal Symptoms

Physical dependence on benzodiazepines can result from taking the medication as prescribed, and the resulting withdrawal symptoms can sometimes last for years. The onset and duration of the withdrawal syndrome largely depends on the half-life of the drug, with withdrawal from short-acting drugs tending to begin earlier and progress more quickly than withdrawal from long-acting drugs.

Characteristics of Benzodiazepine Withdrawal

The withdrawal syndrome is typically characterized by:

• Sleep disturbances
• Irritability
• Increased tension and anxiety
• Panic attacks
• Hand tremor
• Shaking
• Sweating
• Difficulty with concentration
• Cognitive difficulties
• Memory problems
• Dry retching and nausea
• Weight loss
• Palpitations
• Headaches
• Muscular pain and stiffness

This constellation of symptoms can produce significant distress and impairment in daily functioning.

Treatment

It is generally recommended that the dosage of the benzodiazepine be reduced gradually, as abrupt withdrawal from the drug can lead to severe and potentially dangerous withdrawal symptoms, including seizures. This process should be carried out under medical supervision.

Several types of medication may be used to manage withdrawal symptoms. For example, antidepressants, particularly selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs), may be used to manage the increased anxiety and mood disturbances associated with withdrawal.

Prognosis

With appropriate management, the prognosis for benzodiazepine withdrawal is generally good. Most individuals are able to successfully discontinue the drug and manage their withdrawal symptoms with medical assistance. However, some individuals may experience protracted withdrawal symptoms that can last for months or even years.

See Also

• Benzodiazepine
• Substance dependence
• Substance withdrawal syndrome
• Alcohol withdrawal syndrome
• Opioid withdrawal syndrome

References

1. Ashton H. (2002). "Benzodiazepines: How they work and how to withdraw". The Ashton Manual. Retrieved 2021-09-01.
2. Lader M. (2011). "Benzodiazepines revisited—will we ever learn?". Addiction, 106(12), 2086-2109. doi:10.1111/j.1360-0443.2011.03563.x

External Links

• Benzodiazepine use, misuse, and abuse: A review
• WHO: Benzodiazepine dependence Q&A

Benzodiazepine withdrawal syndrome Resources
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Benzodiazipines

• Alprazolam
• Chlordiazepoxide
• Diazepam (Oral)
• Estazolam
• Flurazepam
• Lorazepam
• Midazolam
• Oxazepam
• Quazepam
• Temazepam
• Triazolam

Anticonvulsants Drugs

• Clobazam
• Clonazepam
• Clorazepate
• Diazepam (Intravenous)

Drug class for Benzodiazepine withdrawal syndrome

Anticonvulsants, and Benzodiazepines]