Why Do I Experience Unpleasant Symptoms After Ceasing Sedative, Hypnotic, or Anxiolytic Use?

Do you experience autonomic hyperactivity (e.g., sweating or pulse rate greater than 100 bpm) within several hours to a few days after the cessation of (or reduction in) sedative, hypnotic, or anxiolytic use?

Do you experience hand tremor within several hours to a few days after the cessation of (or reduction in) sedative, hypnotic, or anxiolytic use?

Do you experience insomnia within several hours to a few days after the cessation of (or reduction in) sedative, hypnotic, or anxiolytic use?

Do you experience nausea or vomiting within several hours to a few days after the cessation of (or reduction in) sedative, hypnotic, or anxiolytic use?

Do you experience transient visual, tactile, or auditory hallucinations or illusions within several hours to a few days after the cessation of (or reduction in) sedative, hypnotic, or anxiolytic use?

Do you experience psychomotor agitation within several hours to a few days after the cessation of (or reduction in) sedative, hypnotic, or anxiolytic use?

Do you experience anxiety within several hours to a few days after the cessation of (or reduction in) sedative, hypnotic, or anxiolytic use?

Do you experience grand mal seizures (generalized tonic-clonic seizures) within several hours to a few days after the cessation of (or reduction in) sedative, hypnotic, or anxiolytic use?

Do the symptoms cause clinically significant distress or impairment in social, occupational, or other important areas of functioning.?

Based on your answers, you may display an uncomfortable sign after ceasing sedative, hypnotic, or anxiolytic (SHA) use. SHA may be prescribed for several conditions, including sleep problems and anxiety. SHA drugs can be obtained by prescription, but also illegally. Withdrawal occurs after sudden cessation or reduction of prolonged drug use. Withdrawal symptoms can be dangerous and are usually worse at higher doses during long-term use. If you answered ‘no’ to all questions, there may be no need to worry. In case you are worried about your symptoms or need help quitting drug use, talk with your doctor.

Based on your answers, you may be displaying some signs related to sedative, hypnotic, or anxiolytic (SHA) withdrawal. Because of the withdrawal symptoms, users find it hard to stop taking SHA substances, which will lead to an addiction. The speed and severity of withdrawal depends mostly on the half-life of the drug, which refers to how quickly your body can eliminate the drug from your system. The longer the half-life, the longer the drugs remain in your system. It may be important to discuss your symptoms with your doctor, and to ask advises on how you can stop using drugs in a safe way.

Unfortunately, you are displaying symptoms typically seen among individuals who have sedative, hypnotic, or anxiolytic (SHA) withdrawal. It may be of high importance to schedule an appointment with your doctor. Withdrawal symptoms can impair your ability to function and you may also experience physical changes such as hallucinations, sweating, hand tremor, and nausea. SHA withdrawal may cause short, but severe episodes of depression that can lead to suicide (attempts).