Apart from tapering rate, there are no other known predictors for the severity of the withdrawal syndrome. Slowly reducing the dose, less than 5 to 10% of the current dose monthly, can minimize the severity of the withdrawal symptoms and is the recommended way to discontinue benzodiazepines safely. Benzodiazepines are sedative medications that treat anxiety, panic disorders, insomnia, muscle spasms, and acute alcohol withdrawal.
Dosage Amount
Benzodiazepines, frequently prescribed for anxiety and sleep disorders, can be misused or taken recreationally. Some individuals seek the sedative effects, often at high doses, which escalates the risk of addiction. The availability of different benzodiazepines contributes to misuse diversity.
The benzodiazepine withdrawal syndrome
To access the reference library, which provides links to over 1000 benzodiazepine-related scholarly papers, click here. Benzodiazepines, a class of medications renowned for their calming benzodiazepine withdrawal effects on the central nervous system, play a vital role in the treatment of various medical conditions. People often turn to these medications as they are valuable in reducing symptoms of anxiety disorders and easing alcohol withdrawal. If you take benzodiazepines infrequently, such as once a week or once every few weeks to treat panic attacks, you can take them for a longer period of time.
- Hence the patient needs a careful assessment including an evaluation of the reasons for and against use prior to embarking on the management outlined below.
- When the use of the drug is decreased or stopped, the sudden reduction in GABA activity leads to an imbalance, causing the nervous system to become hyperactive, a state manifesting as the myriad symptoms of withdrawal.
- These findings have been repeated in several other studies of elderly patients taking benzodiazepines long-term.
Eight to Twelve Hours after the Last Dose
Clients who take over 10 mg of benzodiazepine require an inpatient detox program. For this option, you reside within the treatment facility for proper medical care and 24/7 monitoring. The main goal of the inpatient program is to take the client away from a drug abuse-triggering environment and give them a safe space to focus on getting sober.
As explained in Chapter 1, long-term benzodiazepines take over many of the functions of the body’s natural tranquilliser system, mediated by the neurotransmitter GABA. As a result, GABA receptors in the brain reduce in numbers and GABA function decreases. Sudden withdrawal from benzodiazepines leaves the brain in a state of GABA-underactivity, resulting in hyperexcitability of the nervous system. This hyperexcitability is the root cause of most of the withdrawal symptoms discussed in the next chapter. However, a sufficiently slow, and smooth, departure of benzodiazepines from the body permits the natural systems to regain control of the functions which have been damped down by their presence. There is scientific evidence that reinstatement of brain function takes a long time.
Cognitive Behavioral Therapy
It is impossible to give an exact time for the duration of withdrawal symptoms. It depends on where you start from, how much support you need and receive, how you manage your taper and many other factors. With slow tapering, some long-term users have virtually lost all their symptoms by the time they take their last tablet, and in the majority symptoms disappear within a few months. Vulnerability to extra stress may last somewhat longer and a severe stress may – temporarily – bring back some symptoms. Symptoms are just symptoms after all and most of them in withdrawal are not signs of illness but signals of recovery. Furthermore, as your mind clears, you can work out more and more effective ways to deal with them so that they become less significant.
This article gives you a straightforward overview of withdrawal from benzodiazepines, providing the guidance you need to face the physical and emotional upheaval with confidence. Find out what to expect and how to support your journey toward recovery without undue distress. By tackling the root causes of your dependence and with the right support and treatments, you can confidently and resiliently manage life after benzodiazepine withdrawal. If you were using benzodiazepines for psychiatric reasons, it’s vital to create a new plan to manage your mental health. This usually means combining therapy and different medications to make sure you continue getting the support and care you need.
- Addiction Experts is a group of addiction and behavioral health specialists dedicated to providing helpful, and free, addiction treatment guides.
- Long-term treatment after withdrawal is customized to fit your situation, including why you started taking benzodiazepines and why you want to stop.
- The broad group of drugs that comprise benzodiazepines can target different functions, act at different speeds, and affect the body for varying lengths of time.
- It may take a long time for these people to regain, or attain, full confidence in themselves.
- However, for those on long-acting benzos, this period may mark the peak of benzodiazepine withdrawal symptoms.
Loved drug addiction treatment ones and companions are crucial to sustaining long-term recovery by offering support, comprehension, and a setting devoid of addictive substances. Establishing open lines of communication with relatives can alleviate concerns about being judged and promote an atmosphere conducive to healing throughout the withdrawal process. During the acute phase of withdrawal, individuals might endure these particular emotional symptoms.
Alcohol Rehab
These medications are effective for short-term use but carry risks when used long-term. Benzodiazepine withdrawal refers to the range of symptoms that occur when a person who has been taking benzodiazepines (a class of medications used to treat conditions like anxiety and insomnia) reduces or stops their use. It’s a process that can lead to various physical and psychological symptoms due to the body’s dependence on the drug.