Additionally, during captodiamine treatment, psychomotor function improved in all areas tested from beginning to end of treatment [70]. It must be noted that these patients were taking relatively low doses of BZD pre-treatment [70]. Captodiamine is showing promise as a potential medication for the management of BZD withdrawal syndrome; however, more research needs to be performed on the side effects and safety profile of the drug. As above, provide 20mg diazepam every 1-2 hours until symptoms are controlled. In cases of severe dehydration, provide intravenous fluids with potassium and magnesium salts. The severity of benzodiazepine withdrawal symptoms can fluctuate markedly and withdrawal scales are not recommended for monitoring withdrawal.
- Another study that tested a different standardized education protocol showed more promising results [73].
- Allow the patient to stabilise on this dose of diazepam for 4-7 days.
- A healthcare professional should supervise benzo withdrawal to help monitor and manage the symptoms.
- For mothers with BZD use during pregnancy, there is a risk of premature birth and low birth weight.
- Since benzodiazepines impact the mind and body, the drug’s withdrawal symptoms do as well.
Captodiamine is a diphenhydramine-related compound that does not work at histamine receptors as diphenhydramine does and its mechanism of action is unclear [70]. This drug has also been studied in the context of both BZD replacement and withdrawal as a potential treatment [70]. One study showed that replacing BZD with a 45 day captodiamine led to a decrease in severity of withdrawal symptoms in patients taking BZD for six months [70].
How Long Do Withdrawal Symptoms Last?
Several studies have examined the relationship between BZD use and mortality. In a systematic review of research, Charlson et al. could not find conclusive evidence supporting increased risk of mortality in BZD users [43]. In their analysis of six retrospective studies, half of them showed no significant relationship between BZD use and mortality. One of the study’s limitations is the inability to collect data that differentiate mortality correlation with illicit BZD use from the use of prescribed pills. There is also some evidence that it reduces the withdrawal symptoms of long-acting benzos.
Should You Detox at Home?
The experimental group in this study had a weekly 1/10-dose reduction after a 2 week stabilization period [72]. The experimental treatment also included a BZD diary, a drinking diary, BZD withdrawal education, and assessments for ways of coping and “progressive relaxation exercise” [72]. This was compared to a gradual taper without the other components of the treatment plan [72]. There was no difference in the success rate of BZD discontinuation between the control and experimental groups in this case [72]. There are pharmacological options for treatment in those suffering from withdrawal or wishing to discontinue their chronic BZD use. Each of these studies received mixed results, with no statistically significant advantage to BZD therapy.
Management of stimulant withdrawal
People may begin to experience insomnia or unpleasant dreams when they are able to fall asleep. The difference in these characteristics dictates the clinical applicability of the drugs. Oxazepam, temazepam, and chlordiazepoxide which are low potency benzodiazepines are well tolerated with low toxicity levels. Alprazolam, lorazepam and clonazepam do shrooms show up on a drug test are high potently clinically used to treat panic disorders and serve as adjuncts for treating many other diseases [1]. Due to their toxic effect on the central nervous system, appropriate care is necessary with BZD. BZDs lead to long-lasting impairment of episodic implicit memory while it only impairs implicit memory transiently [1].
3. Misuse of Benzodiazepine
A patient’s score on the AWS should be used to select an appropriate management plan from below. Patients should be offered psychological care to https://sober-house.org/ address these symptoms. The first step in benzodiazepine withdrawal management is to stabilise the patient on an appropriate dose of diazepam.
Essentially, this medication “tricks” the body into thinking that it is still receiving doses of benzodiazepines. Flumazenil takes over the GABA receptors, ridding the body of the existing benzodiazepine drugs that remain. Since benzodiazepines impact the mind and body, the drug’s withdrawal symptoms do as well. The severity of these symptoms depends on the duration of a person’s drug use, their dosage amounts, and the method of ingestion.
