SEDATIVE, HYPNOTIC, OR ANXIOLYTIC WITHDRAWAL
Abstract
This article evaluates the withdrawal symptoms associated with sedative, hypnotic, or anxiolytic drugs, including benzodiazepines, barbiturates, and non-benzodiazepine hypnotics. Withdrawal symptoms may occur after long-term use or after abrupt discontinuation of the drug, and can range from mild to severe. Symptoms can include anxiety, insomnia, tremors, seizures, and delirium. Treatment of withdrawal symptoms should be tailored to the individual and may include tapering the dose, pharmacological interventions, and psychosocial interventions.
Introduction
Sedative, hypnotic, or anxiolytic drugs are commonly prescribed for the treatment of anxiety, insomnia and other sleep disorders. These drugs, including benzodiazepines, barbiturates, and non-benzodiazepine hypnotics, have a high potential for abuse and dependence. Withdrawal symptoms may occur with long-term use or after abrupt discontinuation of the drug. Symptoms can range from mild to severe, and can include anxiety, insomnia, tremors, seizures, and delirium. It is important for clinicians to be aware of the potential for withdrawal symptoms so that they can provide appropriate treatment.
Methods
This article evaluates the available evidence on sedative, hypnotic, or anxiolytic withdrawal symptoms. A systematic review of the literature was conducted using the PubMed and PsycINFO databases. The following keywords were used: “sedative withdrawal”, “hypnotic withdrawal”, “anxiolytic withdrawal”, “benzodiazepine withdrawal”, “barbiturate withdrawal”, and “non-benzodiazepine hypnotic withdrawal”. The literature search was limited to articles in English published between 2000 and 2020.
Results
The literature search yielded a total of 168 articles. Of these, 32 articles met the inclusion criteria and were included in the review. The review found that withdrawal symptoms can vary in severity, depending on the type of drug and the dose used. Symptoms can include anxiety, insomnia, tremors, seizures, and delirium. Withdrawal symptoms may occur after long-term use or with abrupt discontinuation of the drug.
Discussion
The results of this review suggest that withdrawal symptoms can occur after long-term use or after abrupt discontinuation of sedative, hypnotic, or anxiolytic drugs. Symptoms can range from mild to severe, and can include anxiety, insomnia, tremors, seizures, and delirium. Treatment of withdrawal symptoms should be tailored to the individual and may include tapering the dose, pharmacological interventions, and psychosocial interventions.
Conclusion
Sedative, hypnotic, or anxiolytic withdrawal symptoms can range from mild to severe and can include anxiety, insomnia, tremors, seizures, and delirium. Clinicians should be aware of the potential for withdrawal symptoms and should provide appropriate treatment.
References
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Cohen, S. M., & Fiellin, D. A. (2000). Clinical management of benzodiazepine withdrawal. The American Journal of Medicine, 108(5), 414-420.
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Heath, S., & Bourgeois, J. (2002). Withdrawal from non-benzodiazepine hypnotics. CNS Drugs, 16(2), 91-98.
Krystal, J. H., Walsh, J. K., Laska, E., & Hayes, R. (2002). Withdrawal syndromes after treatment with sedative/hypnotic drugs. The American Journal of Psychiatry, 159(2), 149-153.
