Benzodiazepine withdrawal symptoms can make users feel as though they will never get better. At Boardwalk Recovery Center, we encourage our clients to be patient on days like this and adopt the “one minute at a time” mindset. Through our treatment program, https://ecosoberhouse.com/ we support clients through this process, no matter how long it takes, and encourage them that if they are willing, they will improve with time. Anecdotally, a slow rate of reduction may reduce the risk of developing a severe protracted syndrome.

If you are pregnant or are thinking about becoming pregnant, talk to your OBGYN or psychiatrist about your plans. Your doctor can help you weigh the potential risks and benefits of benzodiazepine use and your pregnancy. Protracted withdrawal is a long-term withdrawal syndrome that may come and go for several benzodiazepine withdrawal months. Benzodiazepine withdrawal can be managed with a gradual dose reduction, which will cause milder symptoms that come and go in waves. For example, say you’re tapering off a dose of 20 milligrams (mg) of diazepam (Valium). A very quick taper would involve reducing the dose by 5 mg (25%) each week.

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This stage follows the initial withdrawal, usually starting a few days after cessation and lasting anywhere from 5 to 28 days, though in some cases, it may extend for several months. Acute withdrawal is often the most challenging phase, characterized by the most intense withdrawal symptoms. During this period, medical monitoring and potentially additional medications may be necessary to manage severe symptoms. Expect to face psychological challenges during withdrawal from this class of medication. Feelings of anxiety, restlessness, and irritability often occur as the body readjusts to functioning without the medication. The duration and presentation of withdrawal symptoms can differ widely based on factors like the duration of benzo use, dosage, type of benzodiazepine, and individual health factors.

In rare cases, alcohol dependent patients may experience severe complications such as seizures, hallucinations, dangerous fluctuations in body temperature and blood pressure, extreme agitation and extreme dehydration. 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. Benzodiazepine Withdrawal is a group of symptoms experienced by patients who have taken benzodiazepines for a period of time and have developed a dependence and try to stop or reduce their dose.

Long-Term Treatment for Benzodiazepine Withdrawal

Once dependency sets in, withdrawal can occur when you try to stop using. Understanding the benzo withdrawal timeline gives you insight into what to expect. In turn, this would in most likelihood minimize the enormous burden of what could be termed benzo-brain injury experienced by far too many. According to the American Psychiatric Association (APA), withdrawal symptoms from short-acting benzodiazepines peak on the second day and improve by the fourth or fifth. Benzo withdrawals can be severe, and life threatening complications can occur. A healthcare professional should supervise benzo withdrawal to help monitor and manage the symptoms.