Introduction
- Sedation
- Hypnotic
- Anxiolytic
- Anticonvulsant
- Muscle relaxant
Adverse effects
If patients withdraw too quickly from benzodiazepines they may experience benzodiazepine withdrawal syndrome, a condition very similar to alcohol withdrawal syndrome. This may occur up to 3 weeks after stopping a long-acting drug. Features include:
- Insomnia
- Irritability
- Anxiety
- Tremor
- Loss of appetite
- Tinnitus
- Perspiration
- Perceptual disturbances
- Seizures