Understanding benzodiazepine withdrawal symptoms

Common withdrawal symptoms

You may experience:

• Stomach pains and cramps
• Feeling anxious in open spaces
• General anxiety
• Breathing difficulties
• Blurred vision
• Changes in how you perceive things
• Depression
• Feelings of unreality
• Bloating
• Dizziness
• Extreme tiredness
• Unusual fears
• Flu-like symptoms
• Heavy limbs
• Sensitivity to light and sound
• Indigestion
• Trouble sleeping
• Irritability
• Difficulty concentrating
• Poor coordination
• Balance problems
• Memory issues
• Muscle aches and pains
• Nausea
• Nightmares
• Panic attacks
• Quick mood changes
• Restlessness
• Bad headaches
• Shaking
• Seeing spots
• Sore eyes
• Sweating
• Chest tightness
• Head pressure

Less common withdrawal symptoms

Some people may also experience:

• Jaw pain
• Craving sweet foods
• Constipation
• Feeling disconnected from yourself
• Diarrhea
• Trouble swallowing
• Dry mouth
• Ground feeling like it's moving
• Seeing or hearing things
• Hyperactivity
• Bladder problems
• Increased saliva
• Changes in appetite or taste
• Period problems
• Disturbing thoughts
• Numbness
• Outbursts of anger
• Paranoia
• Scalp pain
• Unpleasant memories
• Pins and needles
• Body temperature changes
• Sexual problems
• Skin issues
• Mouth problems
• Speech difficulties
• Thoughts of suicide
• Ringing in ears
• Increased emotional sensitivity
• Vaginal discharge
• Vomiting
• Weight changes

Rare withdrawal symptoms

Less frequently, you might experience:

• More stomach pains
• Blackouts
• Nosebleeds
• Spine burning
• Burning around mouth
• Breast discharge
• Pill cravings
• Haemorrhoids
• Hair loss
• Touch sensitivity
• Heavy periods
• Rectal bleeding
• Sinus pain
• Seizures
• Tooth pain
• Swollen breasts

Need support?

If you're experiencing withdrawal symptoms, you're not alone. Call our Reconnexion support line on 1300 273 266 to speak with trained volunteers who understand what you're going through.