What is one of the withdrawal symptoms associated with benzodiazepines?

Benzodiazepines are medications commonly prescribed for anxiety, insomnia, and other conditions. When a person who has been using benzodiazepines regularly suddenly stops or reduces their dose, they may experience withdrawal symptoms. Insomnia is one of the hallmark symptoms of benzodiazepine withdrawal. This occurs because the body has become accustomed to the sedative effects of the drug, and without it, the individual may struggle to maintain normal sleep patterns.

As the central nervous system begins to readjust after discontinuing benzodiazepines, the lack of the calming effects of the drug can lead to difficulties in falling asleep and staying asleep. This makes insomnia a prevalent and troublesome withdrawal symptom for many individuals.

Other symptoms that can occur during benzodiazepine withdrawal include anxiety, agitation, and, in more severe cases, seizures and psychosis. While hallucinations and paranoia may occur in responding individuals, they are less commonly reported than insomnia. Increased energy is generally not associated with benzodiazepine withdrawal; rather, patients often experience the opposite symptoms as their bodies react to the absence of the medication.