The Benzodiazepine Withdrawal Syndrome
Benzo Withdrawal Symptoms
Physiological reliance on benzodiazepines gives rise to a withdrawal syndrome characterized by a range of symptoms. These typically include sleep disturbances, irritability, heightened tension and anxiety, panic attacks, hand tremors, sweating, difficulty concentrating, dry retching, nausea, minor weight loss, palpitations, headaches, muscular pain and stiffness, along with various perceptual changes. In more severe cases, particularly with high dosages, individuals may experience seizures and psychotic reactions.
Withdrawal from standard benzodiazepine dosages can manifest in several symptomatic patterns. The most common is a transient "rebound" of anxiety and insomnia, emerging within 1-4 days of discontinuation, dependent on the drug's specific half-life. The second pattern involves a complete withdrawal syndrome, typically lasting 10-14 days. Finally, a third pattern may entail the recurrence of anxiety symptoms persisting until some form of treatment is initiated.
Physiological dependence on benzodiazepines can arise after prolonged treatment with therapeutic doses, but it remains unclear what proportion of patients are susceptible to a withdrawal syndrome. The relationship between the risk of physiological dependence and the minimum duration of exposure or dosage of these drugs is also uncertain. Withdrawal symptoms tend to be more pronounced when discontinuing high doses or short-acting benzodiazepines.
The likelihood of benzodiazepine dependence may increase in individuals already dependent on alcohol or other sedatives. However, establishing clear differences in the relative abuse potential of individual benzodiazepines has proven challenging.
Common Benzodiazepines - Branded Names
Here is a compilation of benzodiazepines, listed by their brand names:
Valium®
Xanax®
Restoril®
Ativan®
Klonopin®
Individuals expressing concern about potential benzodiazepine abuse in someone they know should recognize that, despite their legal production and prescription status, these drugs are highly addictive and may also be accessible illicitly on the street.
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