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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.