Benzodiazepine Withdrawal: How to Safely Detox

Benzodiazepines are central nervous system depressants that have a sedating and relaxing effect. These medications can also lead to tolerance and dependence, benzodiazepine withdrawal even when taken at therapeutic doses. Following detox, some individuals may find that outpatient benzodiazepines rehab is a more ideal fit for their needs.

( I’ve heard I should stay away from things like caffeine, sugar, and alcohol while withdrawing. Why?

Even benzodiazepine tapers lasting one to two years can be successful. Older people can withdraw from benzodiazepines as successfully as younger people, even if they have taken the drugs for years. These findings have been repeated in several other studies of elderly patients taking benzodiazepines long-term. The benzo withdrawal timeline varies for each benzodiazepine medication, depending on its particular half-life.

Alcohol Withdrawal Scale8

For this reason, triazolam can be stopped abruptly without substitution of a long-acting benzodiazepine. If withdrawal symptoms occur, you could take a short course of diazepam starting at about 10mg, decreasing the dosage as shown on Schedule 2. The same approach applies to the non-benzodiazepines zolpidem and zaleplon which both have half-lives of 2 hours. One of the symptoms that may result during benzo withdrawal is sleep disturbances.

( Why should I consider possibly switching from my present benzo to Valium for my taper?

• Eating too much sugar at one time can cause a fluctuation in blood sugar.
• During a crisis, people who are hard of hearing can use their preferred relay service or dial 711 then 988.
• Ativan (lorazepam) is a prescription drug used to treat anxiety disorders, seizures, and insomnia.
• You are most likely beginning to feel the effects of “tolerance withdrawal”.
• These may include sleeplessness and sleep difficulties such as insomnia or strange and disturbing dreams.

Join us in making a difference today by supporting BIC with a tax-deductible donation. Some supplements, such as valerian and melatonin, might also help you get some relief from your symptoms, but research has found mixed results. Your care team can offer more guidance on safely trying these supplements. After a month or so, your brain gets used to sending off more neurotransmitters just so some can get past the benzodiazepine blockade.

Detox for Benzos

Thus the symptoms suffered by many long-term users are a mixture of adverse effects of the drugs and “withdrawal” effects due to tolerance. Stopping benzodiazepines all at once can be dangerous, so your doctor will likely guide you through a tapering regimen that involves gradually reducing your dose over time. If you experience severe withdrawal symptoms during tapering, tell your doctor so they can adjust your care plan as needed.

If you are using Xanax without a prescription, you can still work with a doctor to taper down your dose. Start by visiting a primary care doctor or urgent care center and tell them that you are in or are planning to be in benzodiazepine withdrawal. Xanax is a short-acting drug, which means your body metabolizes it very quickly.

• It’s incredibly important to follow your doctor’s guidance when you stop taking benzodiazepines.
• Going through detox and withdrawal with medical support and supervision can make the experience as safe and comfortable as possible.

Insomnia, another symptom, can also contribute to these feelings of anxiety and agitation. Reckless prescribing practices have contributed to thousands of cases of dependence and misuse. Research shows that in 2018, an estimated 5.4 million people over the age of 12 misused prescription benzodiazepines like Xanax. There is some evidence that lithium carbonate may be an effective medication for cannabis withdrawal management.

Overview of Ativan Withdrawal

If you want to cut out caffeine, you should gradually reduce your intake. However, of course you can suffer other medical problems during your benzodiazepine withdrawal or recovery. If you are in any doubt as to the cause of the of your symptoms, you should discuss these with your doctor. You are most likely https://ecosoberhouse.com/ beginning to feel the effects of “tolerance withdrawal”. Tolerance withdrawal occurs because your body is requiring more of the drug in order to achieve the same effect. If you don’t increase your dose to compensate for the changes, you begin to have symptoms of withdrawal without even starting your taper.

• People who use large amounts of stimulants, particularly methamphetamine, can develop psychotic symptoms such as paranoia, disordered thoughts and hallucinations.
• Even if you only take Xanax for a period of several days, you may develop a physical dependence on the drug.
• Generally, benzodiazepine withdrawal symptoms fluctuate; the intensity of the symptoms does not decrease in a steady fashion as is the case with most other drug withdrawal syndromes.
• Start by visiting a primary care doctor or urgent care center and tell them that you are in or are planning to be in benzodiazepine withdrawal.
• Symptomatic treatment (see Table 3) and supportive care are usually sufficient for management of mild opioid withdrawal.
• If you become physically dependent on a substance, it means that you will experience withdrawal symptoms if you stop taking the medication.

The best resource in your quest to quit benzodiazepines is your prescribing doctor. If you prefer someone else, any primary care physician or psychiatrist can help you taper your dose. Long-term treatment after benzodiazepine withdrawal will depend on your reasons for taking them in the first place and your reasons for quitting. If you have a psychiatric condition that was managed by the benzodiazepines, you will need an alternative plan to manage your condition. Typically, this is a combination of therapy and pharmacologic support. Symptoms occurred in the majority of patients, with certain symptomspersisting for a year or more (see Table 2).