Benzodiazepine, or benzo, withdrawal happens when a person suddenly stops taking benzodiazepine drugs, which doctors do not recommend. The withdrawal symptoms, which vary in severity, typically begin within 24 hours and may last from a few days to a few months.
Benzodiazepines are a group of drugs called nervous system depressants. People may take them to treat anxiety or sleeping issues. Common benzos include:
- alprazolam (Xanax)
- diazepam (Valium)
- clonazepam (Klonopin)
- lorazepam (Ativan)
These drugs are habit-forming and can easily result in physical dependence. This dependence may lead to a difficult withdrawal if the person chooses to stop taking the drugs.
Withdrawal symptoms may vary from person to person, although there are some common symptoms.
People looking to get off benzos should do so under the guidance of a healthcare professional, who may recommend coping strategies and other tools to make the withdrawal process more comfortable.