Drug withdrawal problems
Using certain drugs that act on the brain, such as sleeping tablets or antidepressants, can create a dependency. When the course of treatment ends, it may prompt problems known collectively as 'withdrawal syndrome'.
Withdrawal from particular sedatives, such as benzodiazepines is especially difficult. If they are withdrawn too quickly, anxiety may recur, either because the condition is still present and the drugs have been withdrawn too soon, or because withdrawal itself provokes an acute reaction.
Sleeping tablets, particularly diazepam-based preparations, can also create withdrawal problems.
Symptoms
- Rapid aggravation of the condition being treated
- Aches and pains with no apparent cause
- Insomnia or an overwhelming desire to sleep
- Shaking, sweating and inability to concentrate
- Fatigue, irritability, depression, greatly increased or decreased sexual urges
- Convulsions
- Some treatments must be followed for a specified period of time in order to be effective
- Patients should never discontinue a course of treatment on their own initiative, though they may feel normal for 24 hours before experiencing symptoms of withdrawal syndrome.
- Only the prescribing doctor can help a patient through a successful withdrawal.
