This can cause symptoms such as confusion and cramps, and make palpitations, dizziness, and pins and needles worse. To e
Common withdrawal symptoms: how to cope with them 1. Anxiety Anxiety is the dominant withdrawal symptom among the long term benzodiazepines users. It is a normal response to an unusual or stressful event but it can be excessively severe in long term users. This is caused directly by the action of the drug on your body and from poor stress-coping abilities. Your attitude can make a big difference! Anxiety symptoms gradually disappear as withdrawal continues. Different ways of tackling your anxiety symptoms e.g. learning to relax, joining an anxiety management group, exercise.
There are separate leaflets that may help called ‘Anxiety – A Self Help guide’ and ‘Stress – Tips on How to Avoid It’. 2. Panic Attacks Panic attacks are very common; not dangerous and not a sign of serious mental or physical illness. During a panic attack you tend to over-breathe. This can cause symptoms such as confusion and cramps, and make palpitations, dizziness, and pins and needles worse. To ease a panic attack you need to learn to control your breathing i.e. breathe as slowly and as deeply as you can. Breathe into a paper bag and by doing this you re-breathe your own carbon dioxide. Another leaflet called ‘Panic – A Self Help Guide’ gives tips on how to reduce panic attacks.
3. Insomnia (poor sleep) Benzodiazepines disrupt normal sleep patterns and dreaming. Coming off benzodiazepines can lead to worsening of poor sleep and sometimes to nightmares. Taking sleeping tablets would be a blunder. Instead, you should make every effort to sleep naturally by adjusting your sleep pattern. There is a separate leaflet called ‘Insomnia (Poor Sleep)’ which gives useful tips on how to improve sleep.
4. Muscle Pain and stiffness (limbs, back, neck, jaw, head) Increased muscle tension, tremor, aches, and muscle jerking are common in early withdrawal. It is important to understand that these signs represent loss of the muscle relaxant effects of benzodiazepines and not due to internal physical changes. These symptoms usually subside when withdrawal is complete.
5. Tinnitus (noises in the ear) Tinnitus may initially result from the generalised over sensitivity of nerve endings seen in early withdrawal, but may persist after other symptoms have disappeared. Some people are helped by understanding the problem and knowing that they do not have a serious underlying condition. With time, the tinnitus may become less of a problem as you adjust to it. 6. Tingling or numbness Tingling or numbness in the hands and feet, scalp, or face is common in benzodiazepine withdrawal. These symptoms are brought on by over sensitivity of nerve endings in the absence of any serious disease. Sometimes it may be associated with over breathing. Controlling your breathing may ease these symptoms.
7. Bowel Problems These are common during benzodiazepine withdrawal. Common complaints are of bloating, lower tummy pain, and alternating diarrhoea and constipation which may be aggravated by over breathing. Such symptoms may disappear after withdrawal. DIET: Foods to avoid in withdrawal – cereals, tea, coffee, sugary drinks. Alternatives – Bran cereals, wheatabix, fruits, low calorie drinks, fruit juice. Remember! These are withdrawal symptoms and not illnesses. Your understanding of this fact and your positive attitude is crucial. Most people who have taken a benzodiazepine have successfully come off it.
Further sources of help and advice
CITA (Council for Information on Tranquillisers and Antidepressants) The JDI Centre, 3–11 Mersey View, Waterloo, Liverpool, L22 6QA Helpline: 0151 932 0102 Web: www.citawithdrawal.org.uk Helps people to cope with addiction to benzodiazepines and withdrawal from them. The helpline is staffed by ex-benzodiazepine users, nurses and counsellors. Has a list of self-help groups.
