Valium withdrawal symptoms
Valium withdrawal syndrome—often referred to as benzodiazepine withdrawal—is the cluster of symptoms which appear when a person who has taken Valiums long term and has developed Valium dependence stops taking Valium drug(s) or during dosage reductions. Valium withdrawal is similar to the alcohol withdrawal syndrome and barbiturate withdrawal syndrome and can in severe cases provoke life threatening withdrawal symptoms such as seizures. The most serious side effect of Valium withdrawal is suicide. Severe and life threatening symptoms are mostly limited to abrupt or over-rapid dosage reduction from high doses. A protracted withdrawal syndrome may develop in a proportion of individuals with symptoms such as anxiety, irritability, insomnia and sensory disturbances. In a small number of people it can be severe and resemble serious psychiatric and medical conditions such as schizophrenia and seizure disorders.The protracted withdrawal can be minimised in intensity and severity by a slow gradual reduction in dosage. Withdrawal of Valium is usually beneficial due to the adverse effects associated with the long-term use of Valium. However, it has been recommended that long-term users of Valium are not forced to withdraw against their will. Read the rest of this entry