Detoxing from benzodiazepines looks different depending on the dosage. Low-dose withdrawal is less extreme, as it usually means only manufacturer-recommended doses were taken. High-dose withdrawal, however, requires careful assessment of tolerance and medical supervision of safe tapering.
This article explains the different kinds of benzodiazepine detox and whether abruptly stopping benzodiazepines is safe.
What is the Ashton Manual and its role in benzodiazepine tapering?
The Ashton Manual is a professional guide that outlines benzodiazepine dependence and withdrawal symptoms, and serves as the base for the popular Ashton Method for benzodiazepine tapering.
This method centers around a gradual taper schedule that uses diazepam as a long-acting substitute in order to minimize withdrawal symptoms. This temporary switch allows for dosage decreases until the patient is no longer physically dependent on the drug.
Another benefit to this method is that it allows individuals to conduct a benzodiazepine taper at their own pace and avoid rapid tapering, which is often recommended by healthcare professionals.
Rapid vs. Slow Benzodiazepine Tapers
How do you decide if a rapid or gradual taper is needed? That depends heavily on how long you have been on benzodiazepines.
- Rapid Taper: For individuals who have used benzodiazepines for less than 4 weeks, it is safe to use a rapid tapering method.
- Slow Taper: Someone who has used benzodiazepines for 1 month or more should take a gradual approach, as withdrawal symptoms will be severe. Medical supervision is recommended.
Never stop taking benzodiazepines suddenly, as the withdrawal symptoms are dangerous and potentially life-threatening. Symptoms include seizures, hallucinations, severe panic disorder, and psychosis.
What medications can help manage benzodiazepine withdrawal symptoms?
Withdrawing from benzodiazepines brings severe side effects that can be dangerous and life-threatening. Even while safely tapering off benzodiazepines, you will likely feel minor side effects like nausea, irritability, and difficulty concentrating.
Common medications that help manage or reduce these symptoms include:
- Lofexidine
- Carbamazepine (Tegretol)
- Imipramine
- Divalproex (Depakote)
- Trazodone
While detoxing, long-acting benzodiazepines like diazepam or clonazepam are often used as they aren’t as powerful and allow for safe tapering. When reducing the dosage of these drugs, withdrawal symptoms are less severe and easier to manage.
How long does benzodiazepine withdrawal last?
Typically, withdrawal symptoms peak within a week or two of your last dose. However, minor symptoms like depression and brain fog can last for several months, a state also known as protracted withdrawal.
Trying to detox from short-acting benzodiazepines is dangerous, as withdrawal symptoms will be severe. To safely detox, use a longer-acting benzodiazepine like diazepam, as it makes the taper process easier and reduces withdrawal symptoms.
When detoxing, no matter the type of substance abuse, medical supervision is strongly recommended.
Safe Benzodiazepine Detox at Into Action Recovery
At Into Action Recovery, we provide safe, on-site medically supervised detox. Our medical experts monitor your vitals and are trained to intervene in emergencies as you detox in a safe and supportive environment.
If you or a loved one needs to safely detox from benzodiazepines or other substances, contact us today so you can begin the road to recovery.
