If you have been taking benzos for more than 4 weeks, contact what is Oxford House your doctor for advice on how to safely taper your dosage. The length of time it takes to come off benzos can differ for each person. Your doctor can inform you about how gradually you should come off benzos. Whether you opt for inpatient or outpatient treatment for benzo addiction, you should strongly consider a supervised clinical detox.
Benzo Withdrawal Treatment
- Most would agree that tolerance is a multifactorial process that occurs at different rates for different patients, and also depends on the profile of the benzodiazepine used.
- This benzodiazepine is eliminated so quickly (half-life 2 hours) that you are practically withdrawn each day, after a dose the night before.
- There is some research that indicates that some people who took benzodiazepines long-term prior to discontinuation may have persistent or permanent problems with concentration, learning, memory, and/or a reduced tolerance to stress.
- More severe reactions or withdrawals may also be more likely when taking strong drugs either for long periods or alongside other types of medications.
- All condition, treatment and wellness content is medically reviewed by at least one medical professional ensuring the most accurate information possible.
- Such severe symptoms highlight the critical need for oversight by healthcare professionals during the withdrawal process.
There is a subpopulation of patients exposed to benzodiazepines that is more likely to escalate their dose, mainly those with coexisting drug or alcohol use problem (Griffiths and Wolf, 1990; benzodiazepine withdrawal NICE, 2014). Most would agree that tolerance is a multifactorial process that occurs at different rates for different patients, and also depends on the profile of the benzodiazepine used. In general, available data have been inconsistent with large variance between studies highlighting the need of well-designed long-term clinical trials addressing the question of tolerance with all benzodiazepines including alprazolam. Protracted symptoms continue to fade over a period of many months or several years.
Drug & Substance Abuse FAQs
Another study suggested that individuals with a history of alcohol or opiate use prefer alprazolam to other benzodiazepines (eg, chlordiazepoxide and oxazepam) as they found it to be more rewarding (Ciraulo et al., 1997; Iguchi et al., 1989; Wolf et al., 1989). Similarly, in a small double-blind study of 14 inpatients with a history of benzodiazepine dependence who were undergoing benzodiazepine withdrawal, alprazolam was preferred to equipotent doses of diazepam in a drug choice test (Apelt et al., 1990). CDC prescription death rate data reveal that between 2003 and 2009, alprazolam had the highest death rate increase of all benzodiazepines and second highest overall at 234%, compared with 168% for benzodiazepines as a class (CDC, 2011).
- In primary care, patients also influence clinicians by having this conceived notion about clonazepam and BZD drugs being wonder drugs to make them feel and sleep better.
- While it can still be uncomfortable, it rarely requires medical intervention for physical withdrawal symptoms.
- Retrospective studies evaluating pregnancy outcomes of women exposed to alprazolam during the first trimester of pregnancy found conflicting results of congenital anomalies (Iqbal et al., 2002).
- This is because inconsistent use doesn’t pose the same risk of dependence or withdrawal.
- A list of antidepressant drugs and brief advice on how to taper them is given in Schedule 13 of this chapter.
Medications for Benzo Withdrawal
They lose much of their efficacy because of the development of tolerance. When tolerance develops, “withdrawal” symptoms =https://ecosoberhouse.com/ can appear even though the user continues to take the drug. Thus the symptoms suffered by many long-term users are a mixture of adverse effects of the drugs and “withdrawal” effects due to tolerance. The Committee on Safety of Medicines and the Royal College of Psychiatrists in the UK concluded in various statements (1988 and 1992) that benzodiazepines are unsuitable for long-term use and that they should in general be prescribed for periods of 2-4 weeks only. People with benzodiazepine tolerance may take supratherapeutic doses because the recommended range no longer provides relief for their symptoms. The higher dose may help ease your symptoms, but it can also increase your risk of overdose and severe withdrawal symptoms.
Careers
Our experienced team of addiction treatment specialists understands the complexities of benzo misuse and addiction, and is committed to guiding individuals toward lasting recovery. Chronic use of Percocet can lead to profound health consequences, including respiratory depression, organ damage, and mental health disorders. Numerous risk factors can make an individual susceptible to heroin dependency.
- Some doctors, particularly in the US, believe that long-term benzodiazepines are indicated for some anxiety, panic and phobic disorders and some psychiatric conditions.
- If you go into withdrawal without tapering, you also risk experiencing delirium and hallucinations that cause you to lose touch with reality—a terrifying and dangerous experience.
- Facing the reality of Oxycontin addiction effects is as critical as it is challenging.
- Symptoms generally last 5–28 days, though some may last for several months.
Over time, the brain becomes accustomed to the medication, altering normal chemistry to accommodate the drug’s effects. When the medication is abruptly discontinued, the brain scrambles to rebalance its chemistry, leading to a cascade of withdrawal symptoms. It’s like removing a dam from a river; the water doesn’t just stop – it surges, causing potential havoc downstream. You’re likely searching for answers about the challenging symptoms, how long they’ll last, and how to effectively manage them. This article gives you a straightforward overview of withdrawal from benzodiazepines, providing the guidance you need to face the physical and emotional upheaval with confidence.