Benzodiazepine withdrawal syndrome

The benzodiazepine withdrawal syndrome refers to set of symptoms that occurs when someone on benzodiazepine suddenly stops taking it.^[1]

4-step metabolism of diazepam (diazepam → nordiazepam → oxazepam → glukuronate conjugate).

Symptoms

Those suffering from the benzodiazepine withdrawal syndrome tend to have at least one of the following symptoms:^[1]

Anxiety
Nausea
Irritability
Insomnia
Headache
Weight loss
Muscle pain
Hand tremor
Panic attacks

The symptoms can last up to two weeks,^[1] or until some treatment is given to the patient.^[1] The higher doses of benzodiazepine a patient takes, the more serious the withdrawal symptoms can be if he or she suddenly stops taking it.^[1]

Complications

In serious cases, seizures or psychosis can happen,^[1] which are life-threatening.^[1]

Risk factors

Addiction to alcohol or sedatives is found to make the symptoms worse.^[1]

Diazepam is sometimes prescribed for treating the benzodiazepine withdrawal syndrome.^[2]

Related pages

References

1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 H Pétursson (1994). "The benzodiazepine withdrawal syndrome". Addiction. 89 (11): 1455‒9. doi:10.1111/j.1360-0443.1994.tb03743.x. PMID 7841856.
↑ Soyka M (2017). "Treatment of Benzodiazepine Dependence". The New England Journal of Medicine. 376 (12): 1147–1157. doi:10.1056/NEJMra1611832. PMID 28328330. S2CID 205117734.

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[A-1] 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 H Pétursson (1994). "The benzodiazepine withdrawal syndrome". Addiction. 89 (11): 1455‒9. doi:10.1111/j.1360-0443.1994.tb03743.x. PMID 7841856.

[2] Soyka M (2017). "Treatment of Benzodiazepine Dependence". The New England Journal of Medicine. 376 (12): 1147–1157. doi:10.1056/NEJMra1611832. PMID 28328330. S2CID 205117734.

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