No, attempting to manage benzodiazepine withdrawal at home without medical supervision is strongly discouraged due to the potential for severe and life-threatening symptoms, including seizures. Professional medical detox is essential for a safe and effective withdrawal process. The duration of withdrawal varies widely depending on factors like the specific benzo used, dosage, duration of use, and individual physiology. Symptoms can begin within hours or days and may last from a few weeks to several months. Some individuals may experience protracted withdrawal symptoms that linger for much longer. In the initial days, you may experience rebound symptoms such as intensified anxiety and insomnia.
Medical Professionals
Other older research suggested it’s just one possible pattern of benzodiazepine withdrawal. While a few respondents were able to discontinue benzodiazepines with few or nosymptoms, whether abruptly or over time, many wrote in about persistent anddisturbing symptoms. Some respondents had completely discontinuedbenzodiazepines but still had symptoms, benzo withdrawal timeline including one whose symptoms weremisdiagnosed as fibromyalgia. Respondents were asked about current symptoms they never experienced prior tobenzodiazepine use.
Benzo Withdrawal: Symptoms, Timeline, and Safe Treatment
It should include the indication for prescribing, dose, duration of use, age and any history of psychiatric or medical comorbidity as well as any other past or current substance misuse. Assess for benzodiazepine substance use disorder and the severity of aberrant drug-related behaviours. https://ecosoberhouse.com/ Supportive social networks and stable housing are positive prognostic indicators.
The Dangers of Abruptly Stopping Antidepressants
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. They want to make the diagnosis and often feel put off by patients who present with a complaint and a diagnosis. People can form a physical dependence on benzos, yet not be addicted to them. The FDA advises that healthcare professionals who prescribe BZD consider the risks of abuse, misuse and addiction and continue to monitor the use of benzos during therapy. They are not intended for long-term use and, in as little as 3-5 weeks, can create physical dependence – even if taken only as prescribed. Physical dependence means that a person has Halfway house started to build a tolerance for benzodiazepines and will need to continue increasing their dosage to get the same effects.
- It’s crucial to recognize these symptoms early and seek professional help to ensure safety.
- These medications can help to reduce headaches and muscle pain, which are common physical symptoms of benzodiazepine withdrawal.
- For example, doctors may recommend flumazenil (Romazicon) to help with severe withdrawal symptoms and other drugs, such as buspirone (BuSpar), to help people with severe anxiety symptoms.
- Lytton’s personalized approach includes ongoing support and strategies to help prevent relapse and maintain long-term recovery.
- If they are used for brief time periods, they can be very helpful for the problems they are designed to treat, like insomnia or panic.
