Benzodiazepines (BZDs or benzos) are central nervous system depressants used to treat generalized anxiety disorder and insomnia. You may suffer symptoms similar to alcohol or drug withdrawal symptoms if you suddenly stop using them. They also have significant adverse side effects, such as addiction and dependence.
Benzodiazepines are sedative medications that work on the brain to alleviate anxiety and sleep problems. Diazepam (Valium), lorazepam (Ativan), alprazolam (Xanax), clonazepam (Klonopin), and midazolam (Versed) are examples of these.
If you stop using benzodiazepines suddenly, you may experience significant withdrawal symptoms. This is because they bind to the same brain receptors as other addictive drugs. Some of the symptoms are restlessness, irritability, sweating, muscle aches, headaches, nausea, vomiting, diarrhoea, and seizures.
If your loved one needs support dealing with an Alcohol Addiction, contact us today on 0800 999 1083. We can help you by recommending treatment options.
Removing an addictive substance from your body is referred to as “withdrawal.” When you stop smoking, your body goes through a detoxification stage in which it tries to get rid of the nicotine. The withdrawal process works like this: your body tries to flush the benzodiazepines out of your system. It accomplishes this by producing natural chemicals known as neurotransmitters. However, these neurotransmitters aren’t powerful enough to offset the benzodiazepine’s effects, so you end up feeling unwell.
Your body begins to produce its own neurotransmitters once you stop using benzodiazepines. The issue is that these neurotransmitters aren’t very effective against benzodiazepines. As a result, instead of reducing your anxiety, they exacerbate it.
This puts your body under a lot of strain, resulting in various unpleasant symptoms. You’ll probably feel restless, worried, depressed, and agitated as soon as you stop taking them. You may also begin to sweat profusely, shake uncontrollably, and feel sick.
Hallucinations, memory lapses, and nightmares are all possible side effects. You may even feel suicidal at times. That’s why, if you want to go off benzodiazepines, you should get expert support.
Withdrawal from benzodiazepines takes roughly three weeks on average. Your body will go through numerous stages of detoxification during this period. Each phase can last anywhere from three to seven days.
You may have increased anxiety and depression in the days after your withdrawal. If you continue to take the drug during this time, you may experience side effects. Insomnia, tremors, headaches, muscle aches, exhaustion, and dizziness are all possible side effects.
You should start to feel better during the second period. Your moods should improve, your energy will return, and your muscles will relax. Some moderate adverse effects, such as stomach pains and diarrhoea, may still occur.
You should start to fully recover in the final stage. You won’t have any physical or emotional symptoms anymore. You may even begin to gain weight once more.
If you regularly take benzodiazepines, you may notice a change in your mood when you stop taking them. You may have difficulties sleeping at night, get nervous about things that previously did not bother you, or even develop physical symptoms.
Withdrawal symptoms often develop after one week, but they can persist anywhere from two to three months. Some people experience no symptoms at all, while others experience more severe ones.
Some common signs of benzodiazepine withdrawal include:
The fact that your brain doesn’t know how to function without the drugs is the main cause of benzodiazepine withdrawals. Because your brain isn’t operating properly, you feel anxious and restless.
Other factors that contribute to this condition include:
When someone who has used benzodiazepines attempts to stop taking them, they may experience benzodiazepine withdrawal symptoms. However, certain types of people are more likely than others to experience severe withdrawal symptoms. These groups include:
People who abuse benzodiazepines typically use them for longer lengths of time than those who use them appropriately. This means that their bodies gradually acquire acclimated to the medications’ effects. When they try to get off of drugs, their brains may not be able to cope with the sudden change.
According to several studies, those who take benzodiazepines and street substances have more withdrawal symptoms than those who don’t. Furthermore, persons who combine these two medications frequently take higher doses of each than people who simply use one.
People who abuse benzodiazepines are more prone to experience severe withdrawal symptoms than those who use them appropriately. They frequently take them in combination with other drugs or in extremely high doses. People find it difficult to predict what kind of withdrawal symptoms they will have due to the combination of multiple types of drugs and the amount of each drug used.
Some persons who have used benzodiazepines for a long time say they have never experienced withdrawal symptoms while on them. They became anxious, unhappy, and had difficulties sleeping when they stopped taking them.
The best way to prevent benzodiazepine withdrawal syndrome is not to use benzodiazepines at all. Take only what you need if you must use them. Also, benzodiazepines should not be combined with alcohol. This could result in an overdose.
Talk to your doctor about other therapies if you’re going through withdrawal. They may recommend medication or counselling.
If you’ve been prescribed benzodiazepines and wish to stop taking them, you should be aware of the withdrawal symptoms so you can identify when medical treatment is needed.
Based on your medical history and symptoms, a doctor can diagnose benzodiazepine withdrawal syndrome. They may do a physical examination to look for signs of infection or dehydration. To rule out liver disease, a blood test may be performed.
Your doctor may inquire about your medications, previous health issues, and lifestyle choices. This knowledge will help them understand how benzodiazepines affect your overall health.
There are currently no laboratory tests available to confirm benzodiazepine withdrawal.
The most effective treatment for benzodiazepine withdrawal is a month of progressive tapering off the medication. The objective is to lessen the dose until it is zero.
You can avoid developing severe withdrawal symptoms by gradually withdrawing. If you stop taking the drug suddenly, you may experience significant anxiety, agitation, confusion, hallucinations, and other symptoms.
It is critical that you carefully follow all instructions. Do not stop taking the drug without first consulting your doctor.
Counselling or therapy may be beneficial in coping with the stress of benzodiazepine withdrawal. Consult your doctor about the best types of treatment for you.
You’ll probably have some residual effects after you’ve stopped taking the drug. Nervousness, restlessness, drowsiness and memory lapses are among them. Within two weeks, these symptoms usually disappear.
If you have severe withdrawal symptoms, you may need to be admitted to the hospital. You can receive continuous monitoring and medical help while in the hospital. It also provides an opportunity to seek professional guidance on the safest and most effective method of benzodiazepine withdrawal.
Here are some tips for managing withdrawal at home:
If you need to be in the hospital for more than two days, your medication will most likely be increased. This is referred to as “maintenance therapy.”
Your doctor may prescribe additional drugs to help with withdrawal symptoms. They may also suggest some activities to help you relax.
Your doctor may also recommend counselling in addition to medicine. Talking therapy is used by psychotherapists to help patients understand how they think and act. Patients are taught coping techniques to help them deal with stressful situations.
Hypnosis has helped some people overcome their fears and anxieties. Guided imagery is used in hypnotherapy. A patient reaches a trance state during hypnosis. They become less conscious of their surroundings while in this altered state. The patient’s attention is drawn to the hypnotherapist.
There are numerous types of psychotherapy you can also choose from. Cognitive behavioural therapy is one option (CBT). CBT provides patients with new coping strategies for dealing with issues. It may, for example, show them how to shift from negative to positive thinking patterns.
Group therapy, family counselling, and individual counselling are other treatments for benzodiazepine addiction.
You may be referred to a psychologist or social worker by your psychiatrist. A psychologist treats mental illnesses with psychological techniques. Social workers assist families in dealing with issues that affect parent-child interactions.
The use of medications to help manage the most acute withdrawal phase of medically assisted detoxification is a strategy proven to positively affect the detox process, decreasing the chance of relapse due to the harsh physical impact on some heavy drinkers on recovery drastically. Support beyond medical detox includes therapy and counselling to manage PWS – protracted withdrawal symptoms (or protracted withdrawal syndrome, frequently referred to as post-acute withdrawal symptoms – PAWS), a condition that consists of long term withdrawal symptoms in more severe cases.
Medications commonly used to treat benzodiazepine withdrawal include:
Mild to moderate withdrawal symptoms affect the majority of people. Some individuals have significant withdrawal symptoms. These signs and symptoms usually go away with time. However, if you use benzodiazepines for a long time, you run the danger of developing physical dependence.
You may experience desires for alcohol or other substances. If this is the case, you should cease using these substances immediately.
Withdrawal from benzodiazepines might take anywhere from weeks to months. It depends on how severe your withdrawal symptoms are and how long you’ve been using benzodiazepines.
Getting enough rest during the early stages of withdrawal is crucial. Lack of sleep causes exhaustion and depression.
You can start tapering down the dosage of any recommended medications after your withdrawal symptoms have subsided. To wean yourself off the medicines, you may need to take small steps.
If you decide to stop using benzodiazepines, talk to your doctor about your options. Your doctor will want to make sure that you don’t relapse.
No matter where you live, there are drug and alcohol rehab options for you to discover. Treatment providers are waiting to answer your questions. Get started today.
Ever felt that gnawing ache or burning sensation in your gut after a night of drinks? You’re not alone. Stomach pain after drinking is a common complaint, and there are a few reasons why it might happen. Let’s delve into the science behind the discomfort and explore ways to soothe your stomach. The Irritating Truth: … Continued
Cocaine, a stimulant known for its short-lived burst of energy and euphoria, hides a dark side. Behind the initial high lies a dangerous potential for overdose, with severe health consequences and even death. This article delves into the world of cocaine overdose, equipping you with the knowledge to recognize the signs, understand the dangers, and … Continued
Adult smoking habits in the UK refer to how often and in what ways people aged 18 and above use tobacco. This includes everything from smoking cigarettes every day to occasionally lighting up, as well as using other tobacco products. Understanding these habits is important for several reasons: Public Health: Smoking causes many diseases that … Continued
Addiction in the UK is a complex issue that is connected to various aspects of society such as healthcare and law enforcement. It affects people from all backgrounds and has negative impacts on families, communities, and the entire nation. Understanding addiction involves not only looking at the uncontrollable use of substances and repetitive behaviors but … Continued
