Benzodiazepine Withdrawal Timeline: What to Expect When Quitting Benzos

Benzodiazepines are classified as psychoactive drugs and deliver a calming effect. They work like a sedative, easing anxiety, and are also used to reduce muscle spasms and seizures. They are also called ‘benzos’ and are recognized as a Schedule IV controlled substance. That’s because of the highly addictive nature of these drugs.

Benzodiazepine Withdrawal

Withdrawal from benzos occurs once tolerance to the drug develops. If an individual abruptly stops taking the drug or goes cold turkey, it will trigger withdrawal symptoms. The symptoms vary for every patient. The length of time that the patient has taken the drug is also a factor in how severe the withdrawal symptoms will be. Generally, though, the longer an individual has abused the drug, the more serious the symptoms will get.

Withdrawal Symptoms

Patients who undergo benzodiazepine detox in rehab may experience any or several of the following withdrawal symptoms:

• Tremors or shaking of hands
• Craving the drug
• Changes in their perception
• Palpitations
• Sweating
• Frequent headaches
• Anxiety and panic attacks
• Trouble sleeping or insomnia
• Loss of focus or poor concentration

Timeline of the Symptoms

The symptoms don’t occur according to a set timeline. However, some of the symptoms do appear sooner than others. For instance, rebound symptoms usually happen within days after the last intake of the drug. The symptoms also tend to subside within ten days. On average, the symptoms occur in this way:

• Six to eight hours after the last dose. Patients have a hard time sleeping. They might also experience anxiety. Both are usually the first withdrawal symptoms that occur in patients. For patients who took short-acting benzos, though, the symptoms might appear earlier. Long-acting benzos, on the other hand, mean that the symptoms will appear much later.
• A day to four days after the last dose. This is the period when rebound symptoms usually appear. The insomnia and anxiety intensify during this period. Other symptoms also start to occur, such as nausea, increased sweating, and a faster heart rate.
• Ten to fourteen days after the last dose. Patients who take short-acting benzos will see their symptoms subside. Those who take long-acting benzos, though, will see their symptoms worsen. Those symptoms should fade, though, within three to four weeks.
• Fifteen days after the last dose. Individuals with a high tolerance for the drug will experience PAWS or post-acute withdrawal symptoms. These symptoms include loss of focus for performing tasks, low sex drive, depression, and chronic anxiety. Insomnia also typically occurs.

Medical Detox

The best way to recover is to start with detox. A medically supervised detox is a must. That’s because withdrawal symptoms could develop into serious health complications. If that happens, the staff can help you. They can also take measures to ensure that the experience is as comfortable for you as possible.

Rehab Programs

Rehab follows after detox. Patients will need to go to a treatment program. The best programs address core issues while treating addiction. Individual and group counseling sessions—along with therapy—are used to treat patients. Aftercare services also provide support to prevent relapse after participating in the program.