The Ashton Manual

For the best and most comprehensive information on Benzodiazepine withdrawal you are encouraged to read: "Benzodiazepines: How they Work & How to Withdraw" (The Ashton Manual) by Professor C Heather Ashton, DM, FRCP. Versions of the Ashton Manual in eleven languages can be accessed from this page.    

The Ashton Manual - Read the Manual online here.

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Links to Parts of The Ashton Manual

Chapter 1: The Benzodiazepines: What They Do In The Body

Chapter 2: How To Withdraw From Benzodiazepines After Long-Term Use

Chapter 3: Benzodiazepine Withdrawal Symptoms, Acute And Protracted


Before starting Benzodiazepine withdrawal
Consult your doctor and pharmacist
Make sure you have adequate psychological support
Get into the right frame of mind
Be confident
Be patient
Choose your own way

BENZODIAZEPINE WITHDRAWAL SYMPTOMS



PSYCHOLOGICAL SYMPTOMS

Excitability (jumpiness, restlessness)

Insomnia, nightmares, other sleep disturbances

Increased anxiety, panic attacks

Agoraphobia, social phobia

Perceptual distortions

Depersonalisation, derealisation

Hallucinations, misperceptions

Depression

Obsessions

Paranoid thoughts

Rage, aggression, irritability

Poor memory and concentration

Intrusive memories

Craving (rare)



PHYSICAL SYMPTOMS

Headache

Pain/stiffness - (limbs, back, neck, teeth, jaw)

Tingling, numbness, altered sensation - (limbs, face, trunk)

Weakness ("jelly-legs")

Fatigue, influenza-like symptoms

Muscle twitches, jerks, tics, "electric shocks"

Tremor

Dizziness, light-headedness, poor balance

Blurred/double vision, sore or dry eyes

Tinnitus

Hypersensitivity - (light, sound, touch, taste, smell)

Gastrointestinal symptoms - (nausea, vomiting, diarrhoea,

constipation, pain, distension, difficulty swallowing)

Appetite/weight change

Dry mouth, metallic taste, unusual smell

Flushing/sweating/palpitations

Overbreathing

Urinary difficulties/menstrual difficulties

Skin rashes, itching

Fits (rare)