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Education Center

Benzodiazepines (also called “benzos”), a powerful mind altering drug. Commonly prescribed benzos include Xanax, Klonopin, Valium and Ativan. Benzodiazepines can cause damage to the nervous system and the withdrawal symptoms from benzos are devastating and life-destroying, causing symptoms that last for months, even years, including ideation of suicide.

Never Quit Cold Turkey!

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Suddenly stopping using benzodiazepines can be dangerous. You should get professional help and withdraw gradually if you have been using/prescribed benzos regularly or in high doses.


The FDA recommends that benzos only be prescribed for two to four weeks, but many doctors prescribe them on an ongoing basis.

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NEVER QUIT COLD TURKEY, YOU MUST TAPER

Commonly Prescribed Benzodiazepines

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  • Alprazolam (Xanax)

  • Bromazepam (Lexotan, Lexomil)

  • Chlordiazepoxide (Librium)

  • Clobazam (Frisium)

  • Clonazepam (Klonopin, Rivotril)

  • Clorazepate (Tranxene)

  • Diazepam (Valium)

  • Estazolam (ProSom)

  • Flunitrazepam (Rohypnol)

  • Flurazepam (Dalmane)

  • Halazepam (Paxipram)

  • Ketazolam (Anxon)

  • Loprazolam (Dormonoct)

  • Lorazepam (Ativan)

  • Lormetazepam (Noctamid)

  • Medazepam (Nobrium)

  • Nitrazepam (Mogadon)

  • Nordazepam (Nordaz, Calmday)

  • Oxazepam (Serax, Serenid, Serepax)

  • Prazepam (Centrax)

  • Quazepam (Doral)

  • Temazepam (Restoril, Normison, Euhypnos)

  • Triazolam (Halcion)

  • Non-benzodiazepines with similar effects (Z-drugs)

  • Zaleplon (Sonata)

  • Zolpidem (Ambien, Stilnoct)

  • Zopiclone (Zimovane, Imovane)

  • Eszopiclone (Lunesta)

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Some Signs & Symptoms of Benzodiazepine Withdrawal may Include:

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  • Disturbed sleep or insomnia

  • Feeling nervous or tense

  • Being confused or depressed

  • Feeling afraid or thinking other people want to hurt you (paranoia)

  • Panicking and feeling anxious

  • Feeling distant or not connected with other people or things

  • Sharpened or changed senses (e.g. noises seem louder than usual)

  • Shaking and/or convulsions

  • Pain, stiffness or muscle aches or spasms

  • Flu-like symptoms

  • Debilitating anxiety

  • Intense and atypical panic

  • Agoraphobia

  • Sensitivity to light, sound, smell

  • Gastrointestinal disturbance

  • Dizziness

  • Depersonalization and Derealization

  • Hyperacusis

  • Perceptual disturbances

  • Mood changes

  • Cognitive fog

  • Seizures

  • Tremors

  • Nightmares

  • Tinnitus

  • Muscular spasms

  • Tension Headache

  • Migraine

  • Palpitations

  • Brain moving within the skull

  • Pain in chest and lungs

  • Cuts and abrasions that take weeks to heal

  • Decaying teeth & gums

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