Benzodiazepine withdrawal syndrome

Benzodiazepine withdrawal syndrome happens when you stop taking a medicine called benzodiazepines. Benzodiazepines are medicines that doctors prescribe to help people relax or sleep. When people stop taking them, their body has to get used to not having them, and this can cause a withdrawal syndrome. This could make the person feel uncomfortable, and cause things like dizziness, nausea, headaches, muscle twitches and cramps, sweating, shakiness, trouble sleeping, panic attacks, and feeling anxious or irritable. The symptoms can last for a while and they may get worse if a person takes benzodiazepines again. To help ease through withdrawal, doctors usually recommend reducing your dose gradually over time before you stop taking them completely.