William H. Reading, MD
Withdrawal Syndromes
Benzodiazepine (‘Benzo’) Withdrawal
Abuse/Dependence on any of the following drugs may produce the ‘benzo’ withdrawal syndrome during a period of abstinence: Alprazolam, Ambien, Ambien CR, Ativan, Centrax, Chlordiazepoxide, Clonazepam, Clorazepate, Dalmane, Diazepam, Doral, Estazolam, Eszopiclone, Flunitrazepam, Flurazepam, Halazepam, Halcion, Klonopin, Librium, Lorazepam, Lunesta, Midazolam, Mogadon, Nitrazepam, Oxazepam, Paxipam, Prazepam, ProSom, Quazepam, Restoril, Rohypnol, Serax, Sonata, Temazepam, Tranxene, Triazolam, Valium, Versed, Xanax, Zaleplon, Zolpidem
The Benzodiazepine Withdrawal Syndrome
Various symptoms of ‘benzo’ withdrawal may appear during a period of abstinence from the benzodiazepine drug. Some or all may be present. When symptoms start they may be mild but as the syndrome progresses they may become severe. It is possible to die from ‘benzo’ withdrawal so if symptoms begin to develop, it is essential that the withdrawing individual seek medical attention. Treatment with medications can prevent a withdrawal syndrome from developing.
Early withdrawal symptoms:
Feeling of jumpiness or nervousness, Feeling of shakiness, Anxiety, Irritability or easily excited, Emotional volatility, Rapid emotional changes, Depression, Fatigue, Difficulty with thinking clearly, Bad dreams, Worsening of an underlying psychiatric problem, Headache - generalized, pulsating/throbbing, Sweating - especially the palms of the hands or the face, Nausea, Vomiting, Loss of Appetite, Insomnia, Sleeping Difficulty, Paleness, Rapid Heart Rate, Palpitations, Elevated Blood Pressure, Increased Respirations, Pupils Different Size, Enlarged Dilated Pupils, Clammy Skin, Abnormal movements, Tremor, Shakiness, Involuntary Eyelid Movements, Dizziness, Loss of Balance, Incoordination
Severe withdrawal symptoms:
Confusion, Disorientation, Hallucinations (Visual), Delusions, Illusions, Delirium Tremens (DT’s), Agitation, Fever, Convulsions, Seizures