Do I Have Sedative, Hypnotic Or Anxiolytic Withdrawal?

Did you cease or reduce sedative, hypnotic or anxiolytic use that has been prolonged?

Did you experience autonomic hyperactivity (e.g., sweating or pulse rate greater than 100 bpm) within several hours to a few days after the cessation of (or reduction in) sedative, hypnotic or anxiolytic use?

Did you experience hand tremors within several hours to a few days after the cessation of (or reduction in) sedative, hypnotic or anxiolytic use?

Did you experience insomnia within several hours to a few days after the cessation of (or reduction in) sedative, hypnotic or anxiolytic use?

Did you experience nausea or vomiting within several hours to a few days after the cessation of (or reduction in) sedative, hypnotic or anxiolytic use?

Did you experience transient visual, tactile or auditory hallucinations or illusions within several hours to a few days after the cessation of (or reduction in) sedative, hypnotic or anxiolytic use?

Did you experience psychomotor agitation within several hours to a few days after the cessation of (or reduction in) sedative, hypnotic or anxiolytic use?

Did you experience anxiety within several hours to a few days after the cessation of (or reduction in) sedative, hypnotic or anxiolytic use?

Did you experience grand mal seizures (generalized tonic-clonic seizures) within several hours to a few days after the cessation of (or reduction in) sedative, hypnotic or anxiolytic use?

Do the symptoms cause clinically significant distress or impairment in social, occupational or other important areas of functioning.?

Can you confirm that the symptoms are not attributable to another medical condition and are not better explained by another mental disorder, including intoxication or withdrawal from another substance?

Based on your answers, it is unlikely that you have sedative, hypnotic or anxiolytic withdrawal.

While it is unlikely that you have sedative, hypnotic or anxiolytic withdrawal, you are displaying some signs related to it. Withdrawal occurs after sudden cessation or reduction of prolonged drug use and the symptoms can be dangerous. Withdrawal symptoms are usually worse at higher doses during long-term use. If you are worried about your symptoms or need help quitting drug use, talk with your doctor.

While it is unlikely that you have sedative, hypnotic or anxiolytic withdrawal, you are displaying some signs related to it. The speed and severity of withdrawal depends mostly on the half-life of the drug, which refers to how quickly your body can eliminate the drug from your system. The longer the half-life, the longer the drugs remain in your system. Some drugs cause withdrawal symptoms that start within 6-8 hours and last for about a week. Other drugs (that have a longer half-time) cause intense withdrawal and only after 3-4 weeks. It may be important to discuss your symptoms with your doctor and to seek advice on how you can stop using drugs.

Unfortunately, you are displaying the symptoms typically seen among individuals who have sedative, hypnotic or anxiolytic (SHA) withdrawal. It may be of high importance to schedule an appointment with your doctor. Withdrawal symptoms can impair your ability to function and you may also experience physical changes such as hallucinations, sweating, hand tremors and nausea. It is recommended to talk with your doctor before stopping heavy and/or prolonged use of sedative, hypnotic or anxiolytic substances. Severe withdrawal symptoms require treatment in the hospital, while mild symptoms can be treated with psychological support.