Can Benzodiazepine Withdrawal Kill You?

Benzodiazepine withdrawal can be dangerous, even fatal, without expert supervision. The chances of a benzodiazepine withdrawal killing you are rare, but they increase with how much and for how long you have been using the drug. The most dangerous complications include seizures, which can lead to severe brain injury or death, and a serious condition called delirium tremens (though more common with alcohol, it can occur in benzo withdrawal). Other symptoms like extreme anxiety, hallucinations, and dangerously high blood pressure can also become life-threatening without proper treatment.

What are Benzodiazepines?

Benzodiazepines (commonly called “benzos”) are prescription medications that slow down the brain and nervous system. They help with conditions like anxiety, insomnia, and seizures. Even though they are effective for short-term use, benzodiazepines are also controlled substances, and the DEA lists them as Schedule IV drugs due to their potential for dependence.

Benzodiazepines vary in how long they work and what they are best suited for. Some of the most frequently prescribed include:

• Valium (Diazepam): Eases anxiety, muscle spasms, and alcohol withdrawal
• Xanax (Alprazolam): Used for panic attacks and generalized anxiety
• Ativan (Lorazepam): Often given for anxiety or before surgery
• Klonopin (Clonazepam): Treats panic disorders and seizures
• Restoril (Temazepam): Helps with short-term insomnia
• Librium (Chlordiazepoxide): Prescribed for anxiety

Why is Benzodiazepine Withdrawal so Dangerous?

Benzodiazepine withdrawal is so dangerous because long-term or high-dose use alters how the brain functions. These drugs increase the activity of gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA), a calming neurotransmitter, and also affect dopamine, which influences pleasure and reinforcement. Over time, the brain becomes dependent on this external regulation and reduces its own natural GABA and dopamine production. 

When benzodiazepines are suddenly stopped, the brain experiences a chemical imbalance. GABA and dopamine levels drop, and symptoms like panic, insomnia, hallucinations, and seizures may occur. This rebound effect can make withdrawal more intense than the original condition being treated. Because of these risks, quitting benzos without medical support is not recommended. Medical detox with Q Space Detox provides LGBTQ-affirming detox care that helps reduce complications.

What are the Long-Term/Protracted Symptoms of Benzo Withdrawal?

These are benzo withdrawal symptoms that persist well after the initial detox phase. This medical condition is known as post-acute withdrawal syndrome (PAWS) and affects about 10-25% of people who have stopped using the drug. Symptoms can linger for a year or longer, creating ongoing emotional and physical challenges. These lasting effects often include anxiety, insomnia, poor concentration, depression, and sensitivity to stress. Supportive care and continued therapy can help manage these symptoms and promote long-term recovery.

Who is at the Most Risk for Deadly Benzodiazepine Withdrawal?

Certain demographics of people may experience more intense withdrawal symptoms, including:

• Older adults
• People who also drink heavily
• Those using other sedatives or sleep medications
• People taking opioids or going through opioid withdrawal
• People with a family history of alcohol addiction
• Anyone with a history of seizures
• Those managing psychiatric conditions or chronic physical illnesses

What are the Chances that Benzodiazepine Withdrawal Will Kill You? 

The chances that benzodiazepine withdrawal will kill you are relatively low with proper medical care. However, the risk becomes much higher if you try to quit suddenly, especially after long-term or high-dose use. 

A structured detox program also provides emotional support and helps lay the groundwork for long-term recovery. During detox, you could experience some of these symptoms:

• Tremors or uncontrollable shaking
• Rapid heart rate
• High blood pressure
• Excessive sweating
• Intense headaches
• Fatigue or extreme tiredness
• Nausea, vomiting, or diarrhea
• Anxiety and agitation
• Depression
• Suicidal ideation
• Seizures/convulsions
• Coma

These symptoms, especially when multiple severe ones occur at once, can be life-threatening without immediate, expert care. Medical detox significantly reduces the chances of fatality.

Safely Get Through Benzodiazepine Withdrawal with Q Space Detox

There’s a common myth that rehab is only for illicit drugs, but that’s far from true. Prescription medications like benzodiazepines can lead to life-threatening withdrawal symptoms, and managing them requires specialized medical attention. 

Quitting benzodiazepines cold turkey is dangerous and can lead to severe symptoms or even death. Our LGBTQ+-affirming benzo detox program at Q Space Detox provides safe, medically supervised detox along with compassionate therapeutic support. With us, you will be part of a welcoming, inclusive community that offers holistic healing.

If you or someone you love is struggling with Benzo dependence, Q Space Detox is just a call away. Reach out today at 305-537-7127 to learn how we can support your recovery journey.