The Benzodiazepine Withdrawal Syndrome Spectrum

There is a wide range of reactions to benzodiazepines and Z-drugs.  Some people have no negative consequences from stopping these drugs, and others experience symptoms upon discontinuation, ranging from mild to severe, from transient to prolonged – even for many years.  There are still others who also experience withdrawal symptoms between doses of the drug, known as “interdose withdrawal”.  Many of the symptoms of benzodiazepine withdrawal syndrome are the same as those presented by other diseases, and the symptoms – at least 78 (see list here) – are so numerous and varied that prescribers may mistake them for a psychological diagnosis.  It is also tempting for the prescriber to decide – without any peer-reviewed studies supporting the assertion – that the presence of withdrawal symptoms indicates that the drugs are meeting some intrinsic physiological need.

The common symptoms of benzodiazepine or Z-drug withdrawal, whether due to tolerance, interdose withdrawal, tapering or cessation of the medication, are discussed here.