In a Nutshell: Short-term Use & Withdrawal (DRAFT)

Please note:

Unless otherwise specified, due their very similar modes of action, this article applies to both benzodiazepines and z-drugs.

In a nutshell:

• You should discuss with your doctor in advance of plans to withdraw or change your dose of benzodiazepine (or any other medication).
• Short-term use usually refers to days or a few weeks of use. Extended or long-term use refers to many months of use (or longer). There is no clear dividing line.
• Unless you have already experienced problems with withdrawal, and after short-term use, a short taper lasting days or a few weeks is usually all that is required.
• Smaller, more frequent reductions to dose are generally better tolerated than less frequent, larger reductions to dose, even if the overall taper rate is similar.
• If you have taken benzodiazepines for an extended period, but only intermittently (less frequently than daily), a shorter taper plan still might be appropriate.
• Medications (which do not act on your GABA receptors) might help you better cope with withdrawal symptoms, as might Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), mindfulness techniques, and talk therapy.
• Abrupt or 'cold turkey' withdrawal should be considered only after short-term use, from more moderate doses, and so long as you do not suffer from a seizure disorder.
• If you suffer from a seizure disorder, any plan to quit benzodiazepines first should be discussed with a neurologist.

After extended use or prior history of difficulties withdrawing from benzodiazepines, it is usual to taper off gradually, over many weeks or months. Occasionally, withdrawal even might require a year or more to complete.