The benzo withdrawal process begins several hours after one stops taking the drug and can last for as long as six months. There are three main stages of withdrawal, each presenting different symptoms. Here are nine things to expect during benzo withdrawal, along with how a benzo detox can help you safely and successfully overcome benzo dependence and addiction.
Acute withdrawal
The time it takes to withdraw from benzodiazepines (Benzo) varies, largely depending on the specific type of medication you’re using. This difference is mostly because each type of Benzo has a different half-life, which is how long the drug stays active in your body after you take it. Withdrawing from benzodiazepines, commonly referred to as benzos, can trigger a mix of physical and psychological symptoms. Your doctor will discuss with you the best way to gradually decrease your dosage. Your doctor may also recommend transitioning to a long-acting benzo and slowly tapering off that. The safest way to stop taking benzos is to gradually reduce the dosage over a period of time.
Benzo Withdrawal: Signs, Symptoms, & Timeline
Withdrawing from benzodiazepines can be a difficult, even dangerous process. During the first week, you can also expect physical symptoms like headaches and hand tremors. When you are physically dependent on a drug, it means your body can’t operate normally without it. If you stop or reduce your dose suddenly, you will experience withdrawal symptoms. If you or loved one is in trouble with benzo abuse, there is a safe and comfortable way out. Our benzodiazepine treatment center is customized to treat several types of addiction including all types of addiction.
Management of mild alcohol withdrawal (AWS score 1-
- The broad group of drugs that comprise benzodiazepines can target different functions, act at different speeds and affect the body for varying lengths of time.
- Not everyone quitting benzos will experience withdrawalsymptoms and most people experience only a few, not the complete list ofpossible symptoms.
- During your taper, you may still experience some of the symptoms of withdrawal.
- This is because the term detoxification has many meanings and does not translate easily to languages other than English.
- If you are using Xanax without a prescription, you can still work with a doctor to taper down your dose.
The best way to quit benzodiazepines is to avoid withdrawal by asking your doctor to taper down your dose. Tapering means taking progressively smaller doses over the course of a few weeks or months. Longer-acting benzodiazepines like Klonopin (clonazepam) can stay in the system longer, which means it can be one to two days or even longer before withdrawal symptoms start. The onset of benzodiazepine withdrawal depends on the specific medication you are taking. Short-acting drugs like Xanax (alprazolam) and Ativan (lorazepam) leave the system quicker, which means withdrawal symptoms can appear in as little as eight to 12 hours.
What Affects Withdrawal Duration?
However, for long-acting benzo users, this period is when withdrawal symptoms peak, beginning to lessen around the 3rd to 4th week. Direct methods like snorting or injecting can lead to quicker effects and a potentially faster onset of withdrawal. In contrast, taking benzos orally tends to produce a slower, less intense effect and delays the start of withdrawal symptoms. Knowing these factors is key for anyone thinking about or currently going through benzo withdrawal, highlighting the need for medical advice and a tailored approach to treatment.
Medical Reviewer:
As wementioned before, a lot of people choose not to get treatment for substanceabuse and addiction because, although they want to be free, the process ofwithdrawal sounds a little scary. A common question that people have is “Can you quit benzos cold turkey? ” Though severe benzodiazepine withdrawal syndrome it may initially seem like a tempting option to try to detox from benzodiazepines at home, it is not a good idea for several reasons. Starting your journey away from benzodiazepines is a big deal, and what happens next is just as important for your well-being.
- But relapsing and resuming the use of benzos after quitting can lead to an overdose, since your body may no longer be tolerant of high doses.
- As the body gets used to the drugs, it needs more and more of them in order to get the desired effect.
- A well-rounded treatment plan is crucial for a successful recovery in these cases.
- Benzo withdrawal can cause irritability, mood swings, and aggression for the same reasons it can lead to anxiety and depression.
- If you only use them once every few days, you may be able to take them for up to 4 weeks.
Long-Term Treatment for Benzodiazepine Withdrawal
If you’ve taken benzodiazepines at high doses for an extended period, you may experience long-term withdrawal symptoms, also called post-acute withdrawal syndrome (PAWS) or protracted withdrawal. As above, provide 20mg diazepam every 1-2 hours until symptoms are controlled. In cases of severe dehydration, provide intravenous fluids with potassium and magnesium salts.
Even if you only take Xanax for a period of several days, you may develop a physical dependence on the drug. This means that you will likely experience Xanax withdrawal, or the uncomfortable physical and mental symptoms of discontinuing the drug. The intensity of your symptoms depends on your dosage, or how much Xanax you’ve been taking and for how long. You need a plan that really speaks to your individual needs and experiences.
No matter how long you’ve been taking benzos, always talk to your healthcare provider before stopping. They can help you slowly lower your dose to reduce withdrawal symptoms and ensure a safer process of discontinuing the medication. Just like with opioids and alcohol, using benzos can lead to physical dependence.
- Your doctor will help you create a timeline to gradually taper the dosage.
- Hallucinations and psychosis are common in those who withdraw from benzos abruptly.
- Benzodiazepine withdrawal can be risky, so it is best to work with a doctor.
- When tapering off benzodiazepines, you’ll always want to work with a trained healthcare professional who can monitor you for side effects and adjust your pace accordingly.
- If withdrawal symptoms become severe, doctors may prescribe other medications.
Benzodiazepine withdrawal can also lead to disturbances in mental function that persist for several months or years (referred to as post-acute-withdrawal syndrome in this form). The FHE Health team is committed to providing accurate information that adheres to the highest standards of writing. This is part of our ongoing commitment to ensure FHE Health is trusted as a leader in mental health and addiction care.