The benzodiazepine withdrawal syndrome

Withdrawal is considered something that goes away within days or weeks of stopping a drug. If you are going to talk to your doctor about these sorts of problems, then it is best to describe the problem as symptoms that happened after stopping the drugs emphasis added. I realize that many physicians will declare these new symptoms the start of a new mental illness – usually bipolar – but calling it protracted withdrawal just confuses the doctor. Although I refer to protracted withdrawal as drug neurotoxicityemphasis added, it is still a bad idea to give the doctor a diagnosis rather than to present symptoms.

What Causes Benzos Withdrawal?

In addition to the immediate health risk, benzodiazepine withdrawal can seriously affect your quality of life. From 1996 to 2013, the number of people filling benzodiazepine prescriptions increased by 67%. Benzodiazepine abuse and dependence has become more significant among all age groups, from teens to elderly adults. In 2016, estimates suggest that about half drug addiction a million people in the United States misused sedative drugs.

Protracted Withdrawal Syndrome (PWS)

• Some common symptoms of benzodiazepine withdrawal include anxiety, insomnia, irritability, tremors, sweating, nausea, and seizures.
• Regular psychiatric evaluations during the recovery process can help adapt treatment plans to evolving needs.
• The duration of withdrawal symptoms can vary widely, lasting from a few days 3 to several weeks and several months 4.
• They seem to be prone to colds, sinusitis, ear infections, cystitis, oral and vaginal thrush (candida), other fungal infections of the skin and nails, cracked lips, mouth ulcers and influenza.

That’s why we provide a compassionate, Christ-centered environment that balances professional care with spiritual encouragement. PAWS isn’t as intense as acute withdrawal, but it can make sustained recovery difficult without proper support. Our state-specific resource guides offer a comprehensive overview of drug and alcohol addiction treatment options available in your area. It is recommended to consult with a medical professional before beginningthe detox process. Psychological symptoms are irritability, insomnia, anxiety, depression, and memory loss. Benzodiazepines are used to https://fsblinda.com/why-alcohol-is-so-bad-for-the-brain-and-how-any/ treat anxiety, epilepsy, insomnia, and alcohol withdrawal.

Understanding the Role of Nutrition in Addiction Recovery

While benzodiazepines can be effective in the very short term (dependency has been reported in as little as five days), prolonged use can lead to physical dependence and withdrawal symptoms. Dependency occurs because the drug causes changes in the GABA receptors, downregulating them. Anecdotally, many patients afflicted with protracted withdrawal from benzodiazepines post-cessation disclose that when they report to their medical provider complaining of the symptoms and the duration they are met with disbelief. It is estimated that percent of patients taking benzodiazepines long-term (past the 2-4 week prescribing guidelines) will experience protracted withdrawal or a “post-withdrawal syndrome”. There may be a genetic predisposition or gene expression phenomenon that occurs during the withdrawal syndrome to shift into a protracted withdrawal syndrome and damaged central nervous system.

Nutritional and hydration support

With compassionate, tailored care, we help you manage  symptoms and rebuild your life. If a person discontinues benzodiazepines like Xanax or Klonopin, this what are withdrawal symptoms from benzodiazepines can trigger intense symptoms. According to the National Center for PTSD, the most beneficial kind of therapy for benzodiazepine withdrawal is cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT). This type of therapy can help you challenge and reframe unhelpful beliefs and behaviors and replace them with more productive ones. Though therapy generally can’t address withdrawal symptoms specifically, it can help improve some symptoms, like anxiety and insomnia.