A patient presents three days after suddenly stopping diazepam after having taken it for over two years. He feels generally unwell.
Which one of the following features would suggest a diagnosis other than benzodiazepine withdrawal syndrome?
Correct Answer A: Hypothermia is not a feature of benzodiazepine withdrawal syndrome.
Benzodiazepines:
Benzodiazepines enhance the effect of the inhibitory neurotransmitter gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA). They therefore are used for a variety of purposes:
Patients commonly develop a tolerance and dependence to benzodiazepines and care should therefore be exercised on prescribing these drugs. The Committee on Safety of Medicines advises that benzodiazepines are only prescribed for a short period of time (2-4 weeks).
The BNF gives advice on how to withdraw a benzodiazepine. The dose should be withdrawn in steps of about 1/8 (range 1/10 to 1/4) of the daily dose every fortnight. A suggested protocol for patients experiencing difficulty is given:
If patients withdraw too quickly from benzodiazepines they may experience benzodiazepine withdrawal syndrome, a condition very similar to alcohol withdrawal syndrome. This may occur up to 3 weeks after stopping a long-acting drug. Features include:
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