The severity of withdrawal symptoms varies between people and depends on a variety of factors. The following list of symptoms was compiled from existing symptom lists and also with contributions from the individuals who have suffered and endured benzodiazepine withdrawal syndromes themselves. These symptoms can occur while still taking the medication if in tolerance and interdose withdrawal are present, or they may present during a taper and/or post-cessation. The most severe symptoms (like seizures, hallucinations, akathisia, suicidality) typically result from over-rapid tapering or abrupt cessation. People taking benzodiazepines regularly long term (longer than 2 to 4 weeks) may have symptoms of withdrawal even when they have not reduced the dose. These withdrawal symptoms can be attributed to tolerance or interdose withdrawal.
What Is Benzodiazepine Withdrawal?
Experiencing rebound symptoms means the symptoms you had before taking benzodiazepines come back even stronger than before. If withdrawal symptoms become severe, doctors may prescribe other medications. They will make this decision on a case-by-case basis, depending on the type and severity of the symptoms affecting the individual. The main cause of the symptoms of benzo withdrawal is the sudden reduction of dopamine in the brain.
Benzodiazepine Detox Medications
- The length of time it takes to come off benzos can differ for each person.
- Additionally, support from family, friends, or a therapist can be helpful during this time.
- Your doctor may gradually lower your Ativan dose over time until it’s safe for you to stop taking the medication entirely.
- Medications are, however, an important therapeutic adjunct when their use is combined with psychological treatments like cognitive and behavioral therapies.
The Alcohol Withdrawal Scale (AWS, p.49) should be administered every four hours for at least three days, or longer if withdrawal symptoms persist. A patient’s score on the AWS should be used to select an appropriate management plan from below. The length of time between each dose reduction should be based on the presence and severity of withdrawal symptoms.
Outpatient Benzo Rehab
Patients undergoing alcohol withdrawal may have numerous potentially life-threatening medical problems. If the patient has hypoglycemia, dextrose 50% in water (D50W) 25 mL to 50 mL and Thiamine 100 mg intravenously (IV) is also indicated. Low doses of clonidine can help reverse central adrenergic discharge, relieving tachypnea, tachycardia, hypertension, tremor, and craving for alcohol. In an agitated patient, neuroleptics severe benzodiazepine withdrawal syndrome such as haloperidol 5 mg IV or intramuscularly (IM) may be added to sedative-hypnotic agents as an adjunctive therapy. Caution must be taken because haloperidol may decrease the seizure threshold as well as prolong the QT interval. In opioid or benzodiazepine addiction, chronic stimulation of specific receptors for these drugs suppresses endogenous production of neurotransmitters, endorphins or GABA.
Alcohol Withdrawal Scale8
- Patients with DTs or other severe withdrawal symptoms may require admission to the intensive care unit due to the risk of mortality.
- The best resource in your quest to quit benzodiazepines is your prescribing doctor.
- Symptoms may last for only 2-3 days, or may last for up to two weeks.
- Opioids are drugs such as heroin, opium, morphine, codeine and methadone.
- In opioid or benzodiazepine addiction, chronic stimulation of specific receptors for these drugs suppresses endogenous production of neurotransmitters, endorphins or GABA.
- Abruptly stopping benzodiazepines can lead to seizures and other life-threatening complications.
What Happens During Benzodiazepine Detox?
Benzodiazepine Withdrawal and Treatment
Symptoms of alcohol withdrawal
