Generally, as with every other medication and substance, withdrawal symptoms can vary significantly based on factors such as dosage and the type of benzodiazepine used. Benzodiazepine withdrawal syndrome happens when you reduce or stop taking benzodiazepines after developing dependence. The review suggests that benzodiazepines are the preferred drugs for alcohol detoxification and all the benzodiazepines have proved similar efficacy for detoxification. To view a comprehensive A-Z list of benzodiazepine withdrawal symptoms, go here.

Care at Cleveland Clinic

NIMH statistics pages include statistics on the prevalence, treatment, and costs of mental illness for the population of the United States. NIMH offers expert-reviewed information on mental disorders and a range of topics. Withdrawal symptoms usually peak during during acute withdrawal, becoming most intense. In Economics from Bates College with extensive professional experience in both financial and municipal management. In his role as Director of Outreach, Steve leads the Charles River team in fostering relationships across the recovery community, local cities and towns, labor partners, and serving as a general resource for anyone seeking help. The information provided in this benzodiazepine withdrawal syndrome article is for educational and informational purposes only and is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment.

• Symptoms of serotonin syndrome include agitation, muscle twitches, hallucinations (seeing or hearing things others do not see or hear), high temperature, and unusual blood pressure changes.
• Taking precautions is one of the best ways to protect yourself from unknowingly taking these drugs.
• The term ‘protracted withdrawal’ does describe the time sequence of symptoms after stopping serotonin based antidepressants, but is a poor choice of language when discussing this with your doctor.
• Although effective, Valproic acid use may be limited by side effects—somnolence, gastrointestinal disturbances, confusion, and tremor—which are similar to alcohol withdrawal symptoms, making assessment of improvement difficult.

Getting to NIMH

These programs typically include individual therapy, group counseling, education about addiction and recovery, and help developing healthy coping skills and life management strategies. Common symptoms include irritability, anxiety, sleep difficulties, decreased appetite, and physical discomfort like headaches or stomach issues. Many people also experience vivid dreams or nightmares as their sleep patterns readjust. Your healthcare provider will likely recommend that you don’t work or drive right after you start taking benzodiazepines. You may be able to work or drive after you start taking them, depending on how these drugs affect you, the dose you take, how long the drugs last and other factors. In a 12-month period spanning 2014 and 2015, experts estimate that at least 30.5 million people in the U.S. took benzodiazepines prescribed by a healthcare provider.

Discontinuing benzodiazepines

Symptoms typically begin within 6-12 hours after your last drink, even if you still have alcohol in your system. From sinus infections and high blood pressure to preventive screening, we’re here for you. Cleveland Clinic’s health articles are based on evidence-backed information and review by medical professionals to ensure accuracy, reliability and up-to-date clinical standards. 24/7 https://ecosoberhouse.com/ monitoring includes vital signs (heart rate, blood pressure, temperature, respiratory rate), neurological status, fluid balance, laboratory values, and cardiac telemetry. Delirium tremens requires immediate hospitalization, typically in an intensive care unit.

Some are safer for long-term use with minimal addiction potential, while others can lead to dependency if misused or taken for extended periods. Effective treatment for benzodiazepine withdrawal involves a controlled tapering approach, medication-assisted treatment, and holistic care that addresses both physical and mental health needs. Evaluating and diagnosing benzodiazepine withdrawal syndrome involves a comprehensive assessment process 11.

Better health starts here

However, prolonged use leads to the body becoming accustomed to their presence, necessitating higher doses to achieve the same effect—a phenomenon known as what is Oxford House benzodiazepine tolerance. Due to their efficacy, they are widely prescribed, but their potential for dependence and withdrawal symptoms necessitates careful use. Richard Saitz suggested that Alcohol should not be used to treat withdrawal for several reasons 3. First, using alcohol as a treatment would promote its acceptability to the alcoholic.