Despite their effectiveness, benzodiazepines can cause dependence and withdrawal symptoms if used for a prolonged period. benzodiazepine withdrawal syndrome Stopping benzodiazepines all at once can be dangerous, so your doctor will likely guide you through a tapering regimen that involves gradually reducing your dose over time. If you experience severe withdrawal symptoms during tapering, tell your doctor so they can adjust your care plan as needed.
What is it like to experience benzodiazepine withdrawal?
If you take benzodiazepines infrequently, such as once a week or once every few weeks to treat panic attacks, you can take them for a longer period of time. This is because inconsistent https://ecosoberhouse.com/ use doesn’t pose the same risk of dependence or withdrawal. Benzodiazepine withdrawal can be risky, so it is best to work with a doctor. Depending on which benzodiazepine you are currently taking, your doctor may want to switch you to a different one before your taper begins. Short-acting benzodiazepines complicate withdrawal with too many ups and downs.
Benzodiazepine Varieties and Usage
Benzo withdrawal can be a stressful process, but it is often necessary for people trying to get themselves off benzodiazepine drugs.
Dr. Stephen Porges, the father of polyvagal theory, highlights the importance of safety for our nervous system.
Drugs of this type inhibit the effects of excess epinephrine and norepinephrine (adrenaline and noradrenaline) released by an overactive sympathetic nervous system.
For long-acting benzos, symptoms can begin up to 3 weeks after you stop taking them.
Common symptoms include muscle tension, tremors, headaches, digestive issues, and heart palpitations.
Protracted withdrawal syndrome refers to symptoms persisting for months or even years.
This is because benzodiazepines work by enhancing the effects of a neurotransmitter called GABA, which helps to calm the brain and reduce anxiety. During benzodiazepine withdrawal, an individual may experience increased anxiety, trouble sleeping, excessive worry, and feeling on edge. They may also experience physical symptoms such as sweating, trembling, and heart palpitations. These symptoms can be overwhelming and may interfere with daily activities.
The Start: Onset of Symptoms
Read on to learn more about benzodiazepine withdrawal, including the signs, how long it lasts, and how to get support with tapering off safely. Long-term treatment after benzodiazepine withdrawal will depend on your reasons for taking them in the first place and your reasons for quitting. If you have a psychiatric condition that was managed by the benzodiazepines, you will need an alternative plan to manage your condition.
Of the complementary medicine techniques, all can help with relaxation during the procedure but the effects tend to be short-lived. Contact Bedrock Recovery Center to find out if our inpatient benzodiazepine addiction treatment options will work for you or your loved one. Over-the-counter pain meds can be used (sparingly as they upset the gut microbiome and cause the liver to work harder at detoxification). I Oxford House learned to cope with anxiety by distracting, slowed breathing, safety reminders, and neutral observing. To distract, I gardened, learned to draw, painted, did word puzzles, and watched countless hours of positive, upbeat YouTube videos. However, contact your doctor for advice before taking any vitamins or supplements.
Another way to safely withdraw from benzos is to enter a medical detox program.
This is because the brain has become accustomed to the presence of benzodiazepines and has adjusted its activity accordingly.
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For some, the withdrawal can take weeks or months—and for some it will last for years or never fully resolve.
For example, the impairment of memory caused by benzodiazepines may prevent the normal resolution of personal stresses such as bereavement or a car crash.
TABLE 4. SOME POSSIBLE CAUSES OF PROTRACTED BENZODIAZEPINE WITHDRAWAL SYMPTOMS
If you or a loved one is facing the challenges of withdrawal, don’t hesitate.
Many people have found that giving up smoking is easier when they are off benzodiazepines, when the desire for nicotine may even wane somewhat.
Even with all the unpleasant benzo withdrawal symptoms happening in your body, you are safe.
These sensations return towards normal as withdrawal progresses, and some people are pleased with the new, seemingly extraordinary, clarity of their perceptions.
This may be due to a rebound effect on appetite, since benzodiazepines have been shown to increase appetite in animals. In any case, weight changes are not severe enough to worry about and normal weight is soon regained after withdrawal. A few people have difficulty in swallowing food – the throat seems to tighten up especially if eating in company. Practising relaxation, eating alone, taking small well chewed mouthfuls with sips of liquid and not hurrying make things easier and the symptom settles as anxiety levels decline.