The MirIAM

Withdrawal from Benzodiazepine drugs is descibed as being one of the most uncomfortable of the abused drugs to withdraw from.  The drugs are readily written by providers without a real understanding of their addictive nature.  One of the biggest lies today is that if you feel anxious then that is abnormal and it needs to be fixed.  More people in the US today are addicted to Valium than to Heroin.  These drugs are otherwise known as anxiolytics, designed to reduce anxiety.   So it easy to see why they are addictive.  No one likes to feel anxious, so these drugs numb that feeling causing the relief from that uncomfortable feeling.  Please note that the withdrawal symptoms from these drugs surpasses that of even heroin and methadone   

 

Common withdawal symptoms are listed below:

 

Anxiety, possible terror and panic attacks

Agitation and restlessness

Hypochondriasis

Dilated pupils

Impaired concentration

Nightmares

Insomnia

Muscular spasms, cramps or fasciculations

Electric shock sensations

Blurred vision

Dizziness

Dry mouth

Body Aches

Changes in hearing

Taste and smell disturbances

Chest pain

Flu like symptoms

Impaired memory and concentration

Increased sensitivity to sound

Increased urinary frequency

Numbness and tingling

Chills and Sweats

Headache

Stiffness

Fatigue and weakness

Hyperosmia

Photophobia

Paranoia

Hypnagogia-hallucinations

Nausea and vomiting

Elevation in blood pressure

Tachycardia

Hypertension

Postural hypotension

Depression 

possible suicidal ideation

Tremors

Perspiration

Loss of appetite and weight loss

Dysphoria

Depersonalization

Derealisation (Feelings of unreality)

Obsessive compulsive disorder

Tinnitus

Paraesthesia

Visual disturbances

Mood swings

Indecision

Diarrhea

 

More serious withdrawal symptoms include:

 

Convulsions

Catatonia

Coma

Attempted suicide/suicidal ideation/self harm

Hyperthermia

Delusions

Homicide ideations

Urges to shout, throw, break things or to harm someone

Violence

Organic brain syndrome

Psychosis

Confusion

Mania

Neuroleptic malignant syndrome like events

Delirium tremors