Can Benzo Withdrawal Cause Seizures? Signs to Watch For

What Are Benzodiazepines?

Benzodiazepines, or “benzos,” are psychoactive drugs that help people feel calm or sleepy. Doctors often prescribe them for anxiety, panic attacks, or trouble sleeping. They work by slowing down the brain and helping the body relax.

Benzos can be helpful when used for a short time. But if taken too often or suddenly stopped, they can cause serious problems like dependence or withdrawal symptoms.

Psychoactive Drugs

Psychoactive drugs are substances that work by changing how the central nervous system functions. These drugs influence neurotransmitters like dopamine, serotonin, or GABA (gamma-aminobutyric acid).

Benzo and alcohol are psychoactive drugs that fall under the group of depressants. They slow down brain activity. Psychoactive drugs can be addictive and may lead to physical or psychological dependence, especially when misused or taken without medical supervision.

Commonly Prescribed Benzos

Some benzos are long acting, while others are short- or intermediate-acting.

Long-Acting Benzos:

• Diazepam (Valium)
• Clonazepam (Klonopin)
• Chlordiazepoxide (Librium)

These stay in the body longer, so their effects last many hours or even days. They work to reduce the risk of severe withdrawal symptoms, like seizures, during detox.

Short-Acting Benzos:

• Alprazolam (Xanax)
• Lorazepam (Ativan)
• Oxazepam

These act faster but wear off sooner. They can make withdrawal symptoms start more quickly and feel more intense.

These medications are generally safe when used short-term and under medical supervision. However, they are not for long-term use because of the risk of dependence.

What is Benzo Withdrawal?

Benzo withdrawal is the process your body and brain go through when you stop taking benzos after using them regularly. Suddenly stopping or reducing the dosage can disrupt can trigger intense withdrawal symptoms that range from mild to life threatening.

Benzo withdrawal is crucial for several important reasons.

• Dependence and Addiction: Long-term use can lead to physical and psychological dependence, making it hard to stop without help.
• Tolerance: Over time, the body needs higher doses to get the same effect, increasing the risk of overdose or side effects.
• Health Risks: Chronic use causes memory problems, depression, poor coordination, and a higher risk of falls or accidents, especially in older adults.
• Desire for Clarity and Control: Many want to regain clear thinking, emotional balance, and greater control over their lives without relying on medication.
• Doctor’s Guidance: Sometimes doctors recommend benzo withdrawal when the medication is no longer needed or is causing harm.

The physical symptoms of benzo withdrawal may include:

• Headaches
• Sweating (especially night sweats)
• Muscle pain or stiffness
• Tremors or shaking
• Nausea and vomiting
• Dizziness or lightheadedness which can cause head injury
• Rapid heartbeat (palpitations)
• Blurred vision
• Sensitivity to light or sound
• Loss of appetite
• Insomnia or trouble sleeping
• Tingling or numbness in the limbs

Other common symptoms may also include:

• Anxiety and panic attacks
• Irritability and mood swings
• Heart palpitations and high blood pressure

In severe cases, individuals may experience mental health issues such as hallucinations, paranoia, or psychosis. Benzo withdrawal side effects can be risky, especially seizures.

Can Benzo Withdrawal Cause Seizures?

Seizures are one of the most serious and dangerous symptoms of benzo withdrawal. They happen because the brain suddenly loses GABA’s calming effect. This causes the nerves to become overactive and can lead to seizures. Seizures can occur even in people who have never had them before.

Types of Seizures

• Atonic Seizures: A person suddenly loses muscle tone, causing them to go limp and falling down without warning.
• Generalized Tonic-clonic Seizures: A person loses consciousness, experiences muscle stiffening, and violent muscle jerking.
• Myoclonic Seizures: Brief, sudden muscle jerks or twitches that usually last less than a second.
• Absence Seizures: Brief episodes where a person stares blankly or “zones out” for a few seconds, often without realizing it happened.
• Focal Seizure Partial Seizure: Starts in one specific part of the brain and affects only a localized area, though they can sometimes spread.

People who withdraw from benzos usually experience generalized tonic-clonic seizures. Seizures do not cause brain tumors. However, brain tumors can cause seizures.

Seizures usually occur within 24 to 72 hours after the last dose. However, withdrawal symptoms, including seizures, do not happen after the last dose, especially with long-acting benzos like diazepam (Valium).

Who Is at Risk of Seizures During Benzo Withdrawal?

How likely are seizures from benzo withdrawal? Not everyone who stops taking benzos will have seizures. However, certain people are at higher risk. Several factors can increase the risk of seizures during benzo withdrawal:

• Long-term use (typically more than 4-6 weeks)
• High doses of benzos
• Abrupt discontinuation (cold turkey)
• Use of short-acting benzos like alprazolam (Xanax)
• Co-occurring substance use (e.g., alcohol, opioids)
• Previous history of seizures, mental health disorders, or other health conditions

Proper medical supervision can significantly reduce the chances of experiencing seizures.

Warning Signs of an Impending Seizure

Recognizing the warning signs of benzo withdrawal seizure symptoms can help prevent serious harm. Early symptoms often appear before the seizure begins.

• Sudden intense anxiety or fear
• Visual disturbances (flashing lights, blurred vision)
• Tingling or numbness in the limbs
• Muscle twitching or unusual sensations
• Loss of focus or confusion

High fever may signal a seizure in children.

If symptoms appear, seeking medical help immediately is essential to prevent a seizure.

How to Reduce the Risk of Seizures During Withdrawal

The best way to minimize the risk of seizures is to avoid quitting benzos suddenly. Instead, follow these guidelines:

• Medical Supervision: Always consult a healthcare professional before stopping benzos.
• Gradual Tapering: Your doctor will create a tapering schedule to reduce the dosage slowly and safely.
• Switch to a Long-Acting Benzo: In some cases, short-acting benzos are replaced with longer acting ones like diazepam to ease withdrawal.
• Monitor Co-Occurring Conditions: Address other health issues like anxiety, depression, or alcohol use that may complicate withdrawal.
• Use of Anticonvulsants: In high-risk cases, doctors may prescribe medications to help prevent seizures during medical detox.

Medically supervised addiction treatment for benzos reduces the chances of seizures.

Why You Shouldn’t Detox Alone

Attempting to quit benzos without medical support can be extremely dangerous. Seizures can happen suddenly and without warning. This can put the person at risk of injury or death. A medically supervised detox provides:

• Continuous monitoring
• Emergency care if seizures occur
• Medication to ease withdrawal symptoms
• Psychological support
• A safer, more comfortable recovery experience

Completing the benzodiazepine medication process is a significant milestone. But recovery doesn’t end there. Protracted withdrawal symptoms or Post-acute withdrawal symptoms (PAWS) may last for weeks or months. These include:

• Mild anxiety
• Depression
• Sleep problems
• Low energy

Supportive care through therapy, counseling, and a stable routine can help individuals regain their health and confidence.

Challenging and Dangerous

Benzo withdrawal can be a challenging and dangerous process because of the risk of seizures. If you or a loved one is considering stopping benzos, it is critical to do so under medical supervision.

With the proper support, it is possible to manage withdrawal safely and begin the journey to long-term recovery. Don’t take chances with your health, reach out for professional help today.

Long-Term Recovery

If you or someone you care about is struggling with physical dependence on benzos, The Hope House can help. Our medically supervised detox and comprehensive treatment programs are designed to support you through every step of withdrawal and recovery.

Contact us  at (480)-447-4252 or email: contact@thehopehouse.com for a confidential consultation. Take the first step toward a healthier, seizure-free future!