Physiological Dependence and Withdrawal

As is stated to a greater or lesser degree in the labels of all benzodiazepines and Z-drugs, their use can lead to physiological dependence and addiction. Over 50% of patients who use benzodiazepines for more than 4 weeks may become physiologically dependent on them. Please see the Dependence Page for a description of how this happens, and what to look for.

Once a patient is physiologically dependent on benzodiazepines or Z-drugs, not only does the efficacy of the drugs usually diminish, but also patients often experience tolerance withdrawal and/or new, paradoxical symptoms. The Withdrawal page describes how to recognize and handle these situations.