For decades, benzodiazepines—commonly prescribed for anxiety, insomnia, and panic disorders—have been a mainstay in American medicine, the Wall Street Journal reports.
Drugs like Xanax (alprazolam), Valium (diazepam), Ativan (lorazepam), and Klonopin (clonazepam) have been used by millions, offering quick relief and a sense of calm. However, a growing body of evidence is revealing the darker side of these medications, particularly the long-term consequences and the extreme difficulty some patients face when trying to stop taking them.
Dana Bare’s story is one of many that highlight the challenges of benzodiazepine dependence. Initially prescribed Xanax for mild insomnia, Bare found relief in the medication. But over time, her body developed a dependence on it, and when she attempted to stop, she experienced severe withdrawal symptoms, including panic attacks, memory loss, and excruciating physical pain. Her ordeal lasted years, leaving her struggling with lingering anxiety and financial hardship.
Her experience is not unique. In 2023, at least 24 million Americans were prescribed benzodiazepines. While many take them without issue, a significant number face withdrawal symptoms that can be debilitating and, in some cases, long-lasting.
Benzodiazepines work by enhancing the effects of gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA), a neurotransmitter that slows down brain activity. This produces a calming effect, making the drugs effective for short-term use. However, prolonged use can lead to physical dependence, meaning the body adapts to the drug and requires it to function normally.
When patients try to quit or reduce their dosage, withdrawal symptoms can emerge, ranging from heightened anxiety and agitation to memory problems and even severe physical distress. Some experts describe benzodiazepine withdrawal as similar to a neurological disorder, affecting the brain and nervous system in unpredictable ways.
Dr. Alexis Ritvo, a psychiatrist at the University of Colorado School of Medicine, notes that withdrawal symptoms can be severe, lasting for months or even years in some cases. A subset of patients suffer from what researchers now call benzodiazepine-induced neurological dysfunction (BIND)—a condition that causes persistent cognitive and physical impairments even after stopping the drug.
Despite warnings and guidelines recommending benzodiazepines be prescribed for short-term use (typically no more than four weeks), studies show that many patients are on them for months or even years. A 2015 study found that about 25% of benzodiazepine users in the US had been taking them for four months or more.
Many prescriptions come from primary-care doctors rather than psychiatrists, raising concerns about whether patients receive adequate information about the risks of long-term use. Some experts argue that the medical community has underestimated the potential harm of these medications.
Dr. Peter Martin, a professor of psychiatry at Vanderbilt University, admits that even experienced doctors have been unaware of the lasting neurological damage benzodiazepines can cause.
“These were never really designed to be long-term medications,” said Dr. Haran Sivakumar, an addiction specialist at Weill Cornell Medicine.
In response to growing concerns, the FDA updated its boxed warning for benzodiazepines in 2020, highlighting the risks of dependence and withdrawal. New clinical guidelines emphasize slow tapering for those looking to discontinue use, recommending a 5% to 10% dose reduction every two to four weeks, depending on the patient’s symptoms.
However, many patients still struggle to find proper medical support. Some turn to rehabilitation centers, but reports suggest that even high-end facilities often lack expertise in managing benzodiazepine withdrawal.
For those who rely on benzodiazepines, the path forward is complex. While these drugs remain essential for certain medical conditions, their long-term risks need to be better understood by both doctors and patients. Experts emphasize the importance of careful prescribing practices, informed consent, and the development of safer alternatives.
For individuals like Dana Bare, the effects of benzodiazepine withdrawal are long-lasting. While she has survived the worst of it, she continues to deal with the emotional and physical aftermath.
“Coming off benzos didn’t kill me, but it was the hardest thing I’ve ever been through,” she says.
