Withdrawal

 

If a dependent person suddenly stops taking the benzodiazepines (or severely cuts down their dose), they may have physical withdrawal symptoms because their body has to readjust to functioning without the drug. Withdrawal symptoms from benzodiazepines vary from person to person, but can be quite severe. For this reason medical experts advise that people undergo a slow reduction in dose in consultation with a doctor or health worker.
Withdrawal symptoms can include:

• headaches, dizziness
• sweating
• confusion, nervousness, tension
• anxiety and panic attacks, depression
• heightening of the senses of sight, touch, hearing, smell and taste
• poor appetite
• nausea, vomiting and stomach pains
• inability to sleep properly
• feelings of isolation and unreality
• delirium and paranoia