What is a common withdrawal symptom in individuals with anxiety who have stopped benzodiazepines?

Increased anxiety is a prevalent withdrawal symptom in individuals who discontinue benzodiazepines, particularly for those who initially used these medications to manage anxiety disorders. Benzodiazepines are often prescribed to alleviate symptoms of anxiety, and their abrupt cessation can lead to a rebound effect, where anxiety symptoms re-emerge or intensify. This happens because the body has become dependent on the medication to regulate anxiety levels, and withdrawal can disrupt the neurotransmitter balance that was previously stabilized by the drug.

As individuals withdraw from benzodiazepines, the underlying anxiety that may have been masked or managed by the medication can resurface, often more intensely than before treatment began. This can lead to increased levels of anxiety, panic attacks, and overall heightened distress. Recognizing this symptom is important for healthcare providers to manage withdrawal safely and provide support for individuals undergoing this process. The other options, while potentially associated with withdrawal or anxiety, are not as specifically common or directly linked to the cessation of benzodiazepines in the context of anxiety management.