Benzo Withdrawal Timeline & Symptoms
If you take benzodiazepines (benzos) regularly, even as prescribed, you may become psychologically or physically dependent on them. When you cut down or stop taking benzodiazepines, it could lead to withdrawal. Benzo withdrawal timeline and symptoms can be unpleasant.
Benzodiazepines, such as Valium, Klonopin, and Xanax, are medications doctors prescribe to treat seizures, insomnia, and panic disorders. Some are also used to induce amnesia in surgery. These medications are central nervous system depressants that create a calming effect, providing relief for those struggling with these conditions. People often abuse benzodiazepines recreationally for their calming effect.
Common Benzodiazepines
There are about 15 benzodiazepines approved by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) in the U.S. These include:
- Midazolam (Versed)
- Alprazolam (Xanax)
- Temazepam (Restoril)
- Lorazepam (Ativan)
- Diazepam (Valium)
- Clonazepam (Klonopin)
Signs That May Indicate Benzodiazepine Dependence
Benzodiazepines are highly addictive. Like other drugs, abusing benzos can lead to significant physical and psychological symptoms, including:
- Building tolerance (Needing to use more of the drug to achieve the same high)
- A strong urge or craving to use benzodiazepines
- Inability to reduce or cut down use
- Continuing to use benzodiazepines despite serious health problems due to use
- Running out of your prescription early
- Feeling like you can’t function without using benzos
- Spending a great deal of time using benzos or recovering from use
- Giving up important activities or hobbies to use
- Experiencing withdrawal symptoms (such as nausea and vomiting) when you try to cut down or stop using
Once physical dependence sets in, withdrawal may occur if you reduce or suddenly stop taking the drug. Withdrawing from benzodiazepines is dangerous and can even be fatal. For your safety, it is crucial to seek medical care and detox under the supervision of healthcare professionals. This ensures you are in safe hands and the process is carefully monitored.
Benzodiazepine Withdrawal Symptoms
More than 40 percent of people taking benzos for more than six months experience withdrawal symptoms when they try to cut down or stop using benzos. Withdrawal symptoms often set in quickly once you quit taking the drug. Symptoms will vary in severity and begin within 24 hours of last use. They may last for several days or a few months. Physical withdrawal symptoms include:
- Confusion
- Headache
- Tremors
- Sweating
- Nausea
- Vomiting
- Stomach cramps
- Muscle cramps
- Seizures
- Dizziness
- Impaired memory
- Fatigue
- Sleep problems
- High blood pressure
- Visual disturbances
- Tachycardia (rapid heartbeat)
- Tonic-clonic (grand mal) seizures
Psychological symptoms:
- Depression
- Anxiety
- Insomnia
- Irritability
- Hallucinations
- Delusions
- Delirium
These symptoms can be potentially dangerous. Therefore, if you are thinking about quitting benzos, seek guidance from an addiction professional to manage benzo withdrawal timeline and symptoms.
Benzodiazepine Withdrawal Timeline
The benzo withdrawal timeline is not definitive since everyone’s experience is different. The severity of symptoms and timeline is affected by:
- How long you’ve taken benzodiazepines
- Amount (dosage) taken
- The severity of misuse
- Whether you have a valid prescription for benzos or not
- Underlying mental illness or mental health condition
- Using other drugs at the same time
- Whether there is misuse of other drugs and alcohol
- Whether you’ve taken a long-acting (Klonopin) or short-acting benzodiazepine (Versed)
Generally, there are three phases for withdrawal from benzodiazepines, and each has an estimated timeline. Your extent of use, general health, and other factors determine how quickly you progress through these stages. The onset of symptoms may be gradual or intense.
Early (Immediate) Withdrawal
Early withdrawal symptoms often set in quickly after you stop taking benzos, usually within 8 to 12 hours. Symptom duration and severity depend on the half-life of the specific drug (whether it’s short-acting like Xanax or long-acting like Valium).
At this point, you may notice a rebound of anxiety or insomnia if you were using benzos to treat these conditions. If you are detoxing under medical supervision, you may be put on a tapering schedule or given prescription medications to make the process more manageable.
Acute Withdrawal
The majority of withdrawal symptoms will occur during this stage, which typically lasts for up to 28 days. Some people experience these symptoms for a few months. Many believe that acute withdrawal from benzos is the most challenging stage. You may still be under medical supervision at this point if you are detoxing at a treatment facility.
Protracted Withdrawal
Although most symptoms remedy themselves once acute withdrawal is over, some may still linger. Up to 25 percent of heavy users will experience symptoms lasting up to a year. Long-term withdrawal symptoms are also called post-acute withdrawal symptoms (PAWS). These symptoms include:
- Insomnia
- Depression
- Loss of sex drive
- Mood swings
- Anxiety
- Poor Concentration
Symptoms may appear without warning and can greatly affect your quality of life. Professional addiction treatment and additional therapeutic techniques can help you manage them better.
Risks Associated with Benzodiazepine Withdrawal
It is important only to stop taking benzodiazepines under the supervision of medical professionals. Quitting benzos suddenly can be dangerous, and symptoms can become life-threatening and lead to death — especially if you are also taking other drugs at the same time.
How to Safely Stop Taking Benzodiazepines
Medical detox can help you taper off benzodiazepines in a more manageable manner and allows doctors to intervene more quickly if you develop any severe side effects such as seizures or convulsions. In medical detox, you may receive medications (medication-assisted treatment) to help you through this process. These medications keep you physically safe and prevent dangerous and uncomfortable withdrawal symptoms. During medical detox, nurses can regularly monitor your vitals and comfort levels while a physician assesses your overall health and drug use history.
What Happens After Withdrawal Is Over?
After you complete the medical detox, you will collaborate with your healthcare team to devise a personalized treatment plan. This plan will not only address the root cause of your addiction but also equip you with healthier coping skills. Therapeutic approaches may include:
- Treatment for co-occurring disorders
- Holistic practices like mindfulness and yoga
- Relapse prevention training
- Individual and group therapy
- Cognitive behavioral therapy
- Aftercare planning
Inpatient and outpatient programs are two forms of substance abuse treatment available after medical detox. By selecting the right plan for your circumstances, dedicating yourself to recovery, and receiving support from others, you’ll be in a better position to overcome addiction.
Call Vogue Recovery Center today for a free consultation if you or a loved one is experiencing addiction concerns. It is challenging but not impossible to overcome a cocaine addiction, and you can be well on your way to living a life worth living if you have the right resources and assistance.
