Often when we are in a period of life that is causing significant stress and anxiety, we just need some relief, a tool that allows us to come up for a moment of air. Benzodiazepines can serve this very purpose in the short term for many patients.

Benzodiazepines are a class of medication often used to treat conditions such as insomnia or anxiety. Some examples of benzodiazepines are Klonopin (clonazepam) and Xanax (alprazolam). 

While these medications serve a vital role in the short-term treatment of anxiety and sleep disorders, they are often used for extended periods, leading to dependence.

Dependence and withdrawal can happen to anyone taking benzodiazepines, even when taken as directed. Physical dependence can occur after taking benzodiazepines for a duration as short as three weeks. 

While the prospect of quitting can be intimidating, the Moving Mountains Recovery team has experts and resources to guide you or your loved one through the withdrawal process.

In this article we will discuss the withdrawal stages, what you can expect when stopping use or reducing dosage, and the potential benefits of discontinuing the use of benzodiazepines. 

How Long Does Benzodiazepine Withdrawal Last?

Discontinuing the use of benzodiazepines is a complex process. You may feel discouraged about quitting, but understanding what symptoms you can expect and the withdrawal timeline will help you find a path to a better recovery. 

Withdrawal effects will differ widely depending on whether you are taking a short-acting benzodiazepine such as triazolam or a long-acting benzodiazepine such as alprazolam.

With proper tapering of your dosage as prescribed by your medical team, withdrawal symptoms can be controlled and alleviated.

Early Stage: 1-4 Days after last dose

Symptoms during this stage of withdrawal may include:

• Headache
• Nausea
• Sweating 
• Heart Palpitations
• Muscle Pain
• Tremors
• Muscle spasms
• Visual disturbances

For folks taking a short-acting benzodiazepine, you may feel the effects of withdrawal as quickly as eight hours after your last dose. Alternately, people taking long-acting benzodiazepines will have a delay in the onset of symptoms, typically not feeling symptoms until 1-2 days after discontinuing use.

Acute Stage: 1-4 Weeks

This stage tends to be the most difficult on the road to recovery as early withdrawal symptoms intensify dramatically. More physical symptoms such as muscle aches, restlessness, nausea and diarrhea are common.

During this time it is common to have something known as rebound symptoms. Rebound symptoms are the symptoms you had before taking benzodiazepines, such as insomnia, anxiety, or panic attacks. It can be challenging to overcome as most patients will want to seek relief from these symptoms. 

You may experience mood swings or panic attacks. Rebound symptoms can last up to three weeks after your last dose.

Long-Term Stage: Weeks to Months

It is possible to experience withdrawal symptoms for months or even years after discontinuing if you have been taking benzodiazepines for an extended period at high doses. This is known as post-acute withdrawal syndrome (PAWS), in which symptoms can last months to years. These symptoms can include:

• Insomnia
• Anxiety
• Depression
• Muscle weakness 
• Low energy
• Difficulty focusing
• Nausea and/or diarrhea
• Head and joint pain

Treatment options are available for long term withdrawal. Consulting with your provider can help you find the best way to control symptoms with the help of therapy and medication. 

What are the Risks?

Benzodiazepines require the help of a medical provider to quit. Never stop taking your medication without the guidance of a doctor. Due to the sedative effect that benzodiazepines have on the brain, it is important to taper down on your dose at a slow rate. 

Because these medications directly affect the central nervous system, discontinuing benzodiazepines without tapering your dose can result in life-threatening symptoms such as grand mal seizures. 

Tapering your dose too quickly can also result in hallucinations or delirium. Your medical provider has the resources to determine a safe tapering schedule according to your individual health background for the best possible outcome.

Benefits of Quitting Benzodiazepines

In addition to their highly addictive quality, benzodiazepines have a slew of other negative effects on the body. Long term use can result in poor memory, increased anxiety, poor reactivity time and depression. Recent evidence has linked the long term use of benzodiazepines to cognitive decline.

Patients experience immediate symptom relief with benzodiazepines when used for short periods of time. Unfortunately, they are often used for longer than a two-week period which leads to the patient being desensitized to their effect in which the patient then requires a higher dose.

Many patients report feeling better after discontinuing benzodiazepines. Long-term users report better moods, faster mental response, and a clearer mind overall upon quitting.

Taking the Next Steps

It is important to remember that the path to quitting benzodiazepines is different for each person. Many factors including the medication, the duration benzodiazepines have been taken and your physicality will play a role in your path to healing. 

Finding a medical team that you are comfortable working closely with will help you find the best tapering pace to alleviate the symptoms of benzodiazepine withdrawal. Your provider can guide you to resources in psychotherapy, support groups and medications to best support your recovery.

At Moving Mountains Recovery you can expect care that encompasses your full self. Our team will help you decide which course of treatment best suits your unique situation so you can continue on with as little disruption to your daily life as possible.

We offer different levels of care to serve a wide variety of client needs. These include standard outpatient, intensive outpatient and partial hospitalization programs. 

We are ready to help you continue your story. Reach out and let us help you or your loved one take the next step to get help today.