Side Effects of Benzo Withdrawal: A Comprehensive List

Coming off benzodiazepines can feel frightening when your body and brain start reacting in ways you don’t expect. Knowing the full range of possible side effects helps you recognize what is withdrawal, what is an emergency, and when to ask for help.

Side effects of benzo withdrawal can affect almost every system in the body, including sleep, mood, cognition, digestion, heart rate, and sensory perception.[1][4] Common symptoms include anxiety, insomnia, tremor, sweating, headaches, muscle pain, nausea, palpitations, dizziness, and cognitive problems, while severe cases may involve seizures or hallucinations.[1][6][7]

What Causes So Many Benzo Withdrawal Side Effects?

Benzodiazepines enhance the calming neurotransmitter GABA, slowing brain activity.[1] Over time, the brain reduces its own calming capacity and becomes more excitable.[1][3] When the drug is reduced or stopped—especially too fast—the nervous system can rebound into overdrive, producing wide‑ranging withdrawal symptoms.

If you’re still on a benzo and noticing worsening symptoms at the same dose, you may also be experiencing tolerance withdrawal (see: What Is Tolerance Withdrawal).

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A Comprehensive List of Benzo Withdrawal Side Effects

Not everyone will experience all of these symptoms, and intensity varies with dose, duration, taper speed, and individual sensitivity.[1][4][6]

Psychological and Mood Symptoms

Common psychological side effects include:[1][3][4][6][8]

• Increased anxiety and inner tension
• Panic attacks and sudden surges of fear
• Depression or low mood
• Irritability, anger, or rage
• Emotional blunting or feeling “numb”[2]
• Crying spells and mood swings[2][3]
• Obsessions and intrusive thoughts[2][3]
• Paranoia and suspiciousness[2][3]
• Depersonalization/derealization (feeling unreal or detached)[1][2][8]
• Agoraphobia and new phobias (fears of places or situations)[2]
• Post-traumatic stress–like symptoms[2]

For more on how this overlaps with rebound anxiety, see:

• Coming Off Xanax Symptoms Rebound Anxiety Vs Withdrawal
• Detox Anxiety Differentiating Rebound From Relapse

Cognitive and Neurological Symptoms

Cognitive and nervous system symptoms are very common:[1][2][3][4][6][8]

• Poor concentration and brain fog
• Short‑term memory problems
• Confusion and disorientation
• Intrusive memories[3]
• Slowed thinking or clouded thinking[4]
• Headaches, pressure, or “band around the head”[2][3]
• Tremor and shakiness (hands, body)[1][4][6][8]
• Muscle twitches, jerks, tics, “electric shocks”[3]
• Dizziness, light‑headedness, poor balance, vertigo[2][3][4][8]
• Numbness, tingling, burning, altered sensations in limbs or face[2][3][8]
• Restless legs / akathisia (inner restlessness, can’t keep still)[1][2]
• Seizures in severe or abrupt withdrawal[1][4][6][8]

For sensory and motor problems specific to certain benzos, see:

• Coming Off Klonopin Sensory And Motor Symptoms

Sleep Disturbances

Sleep changes are a core feature of benzo withdrawal:[1][4][6][7]

• Insomnia and reduced sleep time
• Trouble falling asleep (sleep latency) or staying asleep
• Frequent waking, light or non‑restorative sleep
• Vivid dreams and nightmares[1][6]
• Hypnagogic hallucinations (visual/auditory experiences at sleep onset)[2]

If getting to sleep is your main struggle, you may find The Sleep Latency Trap Why You Cant Fall Asleep helpful.

Autonomic and Cardiovascular Symptoms

The autonomic nervous system (which controls heart rate, sweating, etc.) can become overactive:[1][2][3][4][6][8]

• Sweating and night sweats
• Heart palpitations or pounding heartbeat
• Rapid heart rate (tachycardia) or, less often, slow heart rate (bradycardia)[2][4]
• Blood pressure changes (high or low)[2]
• Fluctuating body temperature, chills, or feeling extremely hot or cold[2]
• Hyperventilation and breathlessness[2][3]

Musculoskeletal and Pain Symptoms

Many people report pain and tension:[1][2][3][4][5][6]

• Muscle pain, cramps, stiffness, tension
• Joint pain and body aches
• Neck, back, jaw, and facial pain[3]
• Headaches and migraine‑like pain[3][5]
• Weakness or “jelly legs” and fatigue[3]

Exercise can help but may temporarily flare symptoms. For pacing strategies, see:

• Exercise Intolerance How To Stay Active Without Revving Symptoms

Gastrointestinal and Appetite Symptoms

The gut is highly sensitive to withdrawal:[1][2][3][4][6]

• Nausea and vomiting
• Diarrhea or constipation
• Abdominal pain, cramping, gas, bloating, heartburn[1][3][4]
• Dry retching[7]
• Loss of appetite and weight loss[1][4]
• Occasionally, voracious appetite or intense sugar cravings[2]

To support recovery through diet, see:

• Nutrition For Recovery Foods That Support Gaba Production

Sensory and Perceptual Disturbances

Heightened sensory sensitivity is often reported:[1][2][3][6][8]

• Sensitivity to light, sound, touch, smell, and stress[2][3][8]
• Tinnitus (ringing in the ears)[1][3]
• Blurred or double vision, visual distortions[1][2][3]
• Feeling like the environment is moving or leaning[2]
• Perceptual changes (surfaces or faces look “wrong”)[1][2]

Other Physical Symptoms

Additional reported symptoms include:[1][2][3][4][6][8]

• Dry mouth, sore throat
• Shortness of breath or air hunger
• Fatigue and flu‑like feelings
• Frequent urination or urinary urgency[2]
• Menstrual changes and hormone‑related issues[2]
• Changes in libido and sexual function[2]
• Skin changes and burning sensations[1][2]

For long‑term brain and nervous system concerns, see:

• Long Term Effects Of Benzos On The Brain Is It Reversible
• Supplements For Brain Repair During Withdrawal

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Practical Tips for Coping With Benzo Withdrawal Side Effects

• Taper slowly when possible

  • Never stop benzodiazepines abruptly without medical guidance, especially after long‑term use.[4][6][8]
  • Consider micro tapering if you are highly sensitive (see: What Is Micro Tapering).

• Work with a benzo‑wise provider

  • Many clinicians are unfamiliar with protracted symptoms.[2][3]
  • Use this guide to find better support: How To Find Benzo Wise Doctors Near You.

• Track your symptoms

  • Keep a daily log of dose, symptoms, sleep, food, and stress to notice patterns and triggers.

• Support the nervous system gently

  • Prioritize consistent sleep routines, light movement, and calming practices (breathing, grounding, gentle yoga).
  • Consider carefully chosen supplements that don’t rev symptoms (see: Safe Supplements For Anxiety That Wont Flare Up Symptoms).

• Support your brain and body with nutrition

  • Eat regular, balanced meals rich in protein, healthy fats, and micronutrients to stabilize blood sugar and support GABA (see: Nutrition For Recovery Foods That Support Gaba Production).

• Know when to seek urgent help

  • Go to emergency services or contact your doctor immediately for:
    • Seizures
    • Chest pain or severe shortness of breath
    • Hallucinations or delirium
    • Suicidal thoughts or intent[1][4][6][7]

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FAQ: Side Effects of Benzo Withdrawal

How long do benzo withdrawal side effects last?

Acute symptoms typically peak within days to weeks after reduction or stopping, but some people experience protracted symptoms for months or longer, especially after long‑term, high‑dose use or rapid tapers.[1][3][4][6]

Are benzo withdrawal side effects dangerous?

Many symptoms are uncomfortable but not life‑threatening. However, seizures, severe confusion, hallucinations, or suicidal thoughts are medical emergencies and require immediate attention.[1][4][6][8]

Can benzo withdrawal cause long‑term brain damage?

Most research suggests many changes are at least partly reversible over time, but some individuals report long‑lasting symptoms.[1][3] See Long Term Effects Of Benzos On The Brain Is It Reversible for a deeper look.

Why do my symptoms come in waves?

Benzodiazepine withdrawal often follows a waves and windows pattern, where symptoms surge (“waves”) and then ease (“windows”) as the nervous system slowly re‑stabilizes.[3] This pattern is common and does not mean you are going backwards overall.

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Conclusion

Benzo withdrawal can generate a wide spectrum of side effects, from anxiety, insomnia, and pain to perceptual changes and, in severe cases, seizures.[1][4][6] Understanding this comprehensive list helps you validate your experience, taper more safely, and know when to seek expert, benzo‑informed support.