Benzodiazepine withdrawal syndrome

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

Symptoms

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

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

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

Complications

In serious cases, seizures or psychosis can happen, which are life-threatening. 

Risk factors

Addiction to alcohol or sedatives is found to make the symptoms worse.


Related pages

 Toxicology
 Barbiturate overdose
 Paracetamol poisoning

References

Category:Syndromes
Category:Medical emergencies