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Benzodiazepines Withdrawal: Exploring Benzodiazepines Detox

Medical Providers:
Dr. Michael Vines, MD
Alex Spritzer, FNP, CARN-AP, PMHNP
Clinical Providers:
Natalie Foster, LPC-S, MS
Last Updated: September 18, 2023

Benzodiazepines, often prescribed to treat anxiety and other mental health conditions, can bring relief to those in need. However, the prolonged use of these medications can lead to a state of physical dependence. As individuals strive to discontinue benzodiazepine usage, they may encounter a range of challenging symptoms, collectively referred to as withdrawal.

In this article, we’ll learn about the stages of getting off benzodiazepines, talk about what could happen to you, and why it’s important to have a doctor help you. We’ll also talk about programs that can help you feel better and groups where people help each other. It’s all about getting better and feeling good in your mind again.

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Benzodiazepines Withdrawal Explained

What Does Benzodiazepine Withdrawal Feel Like?

Benzodiazepine withdrawal can be a challenging and uncomfortable experience. As the body adjusts to the absence of these medications, individuals may go through various phases of withdrawal, often experiencing symptoms such as heightened anxiety, insomnia, and even physical discomfort.

These feelings can be a little bad or very bad, and sometimes they can last a long time, which we call “protracted withdrawal.” It’s really important to ask a doctor for help during this time. They can give you advice, watch how you’re doing, and tell you how to make the bad feelings better.

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Can You Die From Benzodiazepine Withdrawal?

Benzodiazepine withdrawal can be challenging, and in severe cases, it may lead to serious complications. While death directly from benzodiazepine withdrawal is rare, abruptly stopping these medications, especially without medical guidance, can result in potentially life-threatening symptoms such as seizures and severe anxiety. It’s essential to undergo withdrawal with proper medical supervision and support to ensure your safety and well-being.

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Benzodiazepines Withdrawal Symptoms

What Are the Symptoms of Benzodiazepine Withdrawal?

Benzodiazepines, or “benzos,” are medicines often used to help with anxiety and sleep problems. However, using them for a long time or too much can make the body dependent on them, leading to a problem called benzodiazepine addiction. When someone tries to stop using these medicines suddenly, they might experience a range of uncomfortable feelings and physical symptoms. This is known as benzo withdrawal.

During benzo withdrawal, people might feel:

Worried or nervous feelings and benzodiazepine withdrawal symptoms.

Very worried or nervous

Icon depicting a person with a sad expression and insomnia-related imagery, representing Ativan withdrawal symptoms such as anxiety and mood swings.

Trouble sleeping

Person experiencing irritability and mood swings, illustrated with lightning bolts, symbolizing stress related to Ativan withdrawal symptoms.

Easily getting annoyed or upset

Person experiencing muscle pain with visual indicators of discomfort, relevant to Ativan overdose symptoms including muscle weakness and loss of coordination.

Muscles feeling tight and sore

Hand symbol indicating tremors, representing Ativan withdrawal symptoms and the physical effects of addiction.

Shaky hands or body

Icon representing nausea, reflecting short-term side effects of Ativan, relevant to addiction and recovery information.

Feeling like throwing up and actually throwing up

Icon of a head with sweat droplets, representing sweating as a symptom of Ativan withdrawal.

Sweating a lot, even when it's not hot

Icon representing headache, illustrating short-term side effects of Ativan addiction, relevant to symptoms like drowsiness and impaired coordination.

Headaches

Icon representing hallucinations, featuring a stylized human head with a swirling design in the brain area, relevant to benzodiazepine withdrawal symptoms and treatment discussions.

Seeing or hearing things that aren't real

Illustration of a human head silhouette with question marks inside, symbolizing memory problems and cognitive issues related to Ativan addiction.

Problems with thinking and remembering things

Icon representing a person with a sad expression, symbolizing depression and mental health challenges associated with benzodiazepine use and addiction.

Feeling very sad or down

Person experiencing sudden feelings of fear and anxiety during benzodiazepine withdrawal

Strong and sudden feelings of fear

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How Do You Treat Benzodiazepine Withdrawal?

When a person wants to stop taking benzodiazepines and handle the yucky feelings that can come with it, doctors often help them with a special plan. In this plan, the amount of the medicine is slowly made less, so the body gets used to not having so much of it. This can make the process easier and not as dangerous. Sometimes, a different type of benzodiazepine that stays in the body for a longer time might be used to help the person during this plan.

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Benzodiazepine Withdrawal Timeline

Benzodiazepine withdrawal happens in phases, and these phases can vary from person to person. Here’s a simple breakdown:

When you suddenly stop taking benzos (like going “cold turkey“), you might experience anxiety, restlessness, and trouble sleeping. These symptoms can be intense.

During this time, withdrawal symptoms might become stronger. You could have increased anxiety, difficulty concentrating, and possibly more serious symptoms like nausea or sweating.

Symptoms could start to improve a bit, but anxiety and mood swings might still be there. It’s important to stay patient during this phase.

By this point, most physical symptoms might be getting better. However, anxiety and sleep issues can linger for some time.

How Long Does Benzodiazepine Withdrawal Last?

Benzodiazepine withdrawal can continue for a period of weeks to a few months. This duration includes various withdrawal phases, and symptoms like anxiety might be present. The length can be influenced by factors such as the type of benzo used (long acting or not) and whether a medical detox or detox program is followed.

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Benzodiazepines Detox

How to Detox From Benzodiazepines?

Detoxing from benzodiazepines refers to the process of gradually reducing and eliminating these medications from your system. Benzodiazepines are commonly prescribed for anxiety, insomnia, and other conditions. Detoxing should be done under medical supervision to ensure safety and minimize withdrawal symptoms. Here’s a simple explanation of the process:

  • 8 Process of Benzodiazepines Detox