Benzodiazepine withdrawal syndrome

Benzodiazepine withdrawal syndrome
Other names	Benzo withdrawal
Diazepam is sometimes used in the treatment of benzodiazepine withdrawal.[1]
Specialty	Addiction medicine, Psychiatry
Symptoms	Anxiety, irritability, panic attacks, paranoia, tremor, akathisia, dissociation, confusion, insomnia, sensory disturbances, seizures
Complications	Seizures, suicide, hyperthermia, psychosis, delirium, catatonia, psychological trauma, death
Duration	Average: ~2 months
Causes	Stopping or reducing intake of benzodiazepines in a state of dependence
Prevention	Gradual dose reduction

Benzodiazepines
The core structure of benzodiazepines. "R" labels denote common locations of side chains, which give different benzodiazepines their unique properties.
Pronunciation: /ˌbɛnzoʊdaɪˈæzəpiːn/ Benzodiazepine List of benzodiazepines Benzodiazepine overdose Benzodiazepine dependence Benzodiazepine misuse Benzodiazepine withdrawal syndrome Effects of long-term benzodiazepine use
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Benzodiazepine withdrawal syndrome (BZD withdrawal) is the cluster of signs and symptoms that may emerge when a person who has been taking benzodiazepines as prescribed develops a physical dependence on them and then reduces the dose or stops taking them without a safe taper schedule.

Typically, benzodiazepine withdrawal is characterized by sleep disturbance, irritability, increased tension and anxiety, depression, panic attacks, hand tremor, shaking, sweating, difficulty with concentration, confusion and cognitive difficulty, memory problems, dry mouth, nausea and vomiting, diarrhea, loss of appetite and weight loss, burning sensations and pain in the upper spine, palpitations, headache, nightmares, tinnitus, muscular pain and stiffness, and a host of perceptual changes.^[2] More serious symptoms may also occur such as depersonalization, restless legs syndrome, seizures, and suicidal ideation.

Benzodiazepine withdrawal can also lead to disturbances in mental function that persist for several months or years after onset of symptoms (referred to as post-acute-withdrawal syndrome in this form).

Withdrawal symptoms can be managed through awareness of the withdrawal reactions, individualized taper strategies according to withdrawal severity, the addition of alternative strategies such as reassurance, and referral to benzodiazepine withdrawal support groups.^[3][4]