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.