When it comes to withdrawal symptoms from benzodiazepines, it depends on which types have been used. The types of benzos used have different timelines for withdrawal symptoms and vary by severity and length. As a general rule of thumb, benzos that take longer to produce their effect (like Valium) can take a few days to produce withdrawal symptoms, while benzos that are used in the short term (like Xanax) can produce withdrawal symptoms within a few hours.
How Long Do Benzodiazepine Withdrawal Symptoms Last?
The initial symptoms, usually called the acute phase, of withdrawal from benzodiazepines, include nausea and insomnia. These symptoms can last anywhere between one and four days. Once the initial symptoms are over, the following withdrawal symptoms can be extremely intense. The symptoms can range between the following:
- Psychosis
- Blurred vision
- Diarrhea
- Frequent panic attacks
- Seizures
This particularly powerful phase of withdrawal can last anywhere between one and two weeks. Once these symptoms subside, the symptoms taper off and return to the initial symptoms one was experiencing in the weeks prior. These symptoms, however, can last much longer than the initial onset of symptoms, anywhere from weeks to months.
While the physical withdrawal symptoms can be easily timelined and estimated, the psychological and emotional aspects of withdrawal can last much longer, sometimes several months after stopping drug use. Some symptoms include acting in uncharacteristic and unpredictable behaviors, depression, and feelings of a lower quality of life. This can be such a distressing and discouraging time for those experiencing withdrawal that people end up going back and using benzodiazepines just to avoid the feeling.
Other Factors to Consider
When someone asks “How long do benzodiazepine withdrawal symptoms last?” it can depend on many other factors as well. Depending on the support system and environment one is in when going through benzodiazepine withdrawal, they may experience other long-term consequences. A very small percentage of users may experience what is called Post Acute Withdrawal Syndrome, also known as PAWS.
These symptoms can resemble those found in the acute phase and can last sometimes for several years. This can be due to many factors besides support and environment. Sometimes it can be due to physiological or biological reasons. Some symptoms include lacking the ability to handle stress appropriately, experiencing intense bouts of anxiety, problems with memory, and being unable to utilize coping mechanisms.
In order to avoid any long-term consequences and to ease withdrawal symptoms, it’s important to find a proper treatment program at a clinic that understands benzodiazepine withdrawal specifically.
Get Help Now
Hopefully, this article has helped you in finding out how long benzodiazepine withdrawal symptoms last. If you or someone you love is currently dealing with benzodiazepine withdrawal or is just about to get off of it, it’s important to seek a proper benzodiazepine addiction center. Please don’t hesitate to reach out and give us a call at 866.488.1156.
