Response to &amp;quot;Acute and Persistent Withdrawal Syndromes following Discontinuation of Psychotropic Medications&amp;quot; by Cosci et al. (2020)

Huff, Christy

doi:10.1159/000514045

Cited by 2 publications

(4 citation statements)

References 5 publications

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“…Prolonged symptoms after benzodiazepine discontinuation have been reported elsewhere, ranging from anxiety, insomnia, nightmares, and deficits in memory or concentration [ 17 ]. While few formal studies have examined enduring benzodiazepine symptoms, there are thousands of accounts online from individuals who report prolonged and distressing symptoms even after complete drug discontinuation [ 18 ].…”

Section: Discussionmentioning

confidence: 99%

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Long-term consequences of benzodiazepine-induced neurological dysfunction: A survey

Ritvo,

Foster,

Huff

et al. 2023

PLoS ONE

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Background Acute benzodiazepine withdrawal has been described, but literature regarding the benzodiazepine-induced neurological injury that may result in enduring symptoms and life consequences is scant. Objective We conducted an internet survey of current and former benzodiazepine users and asked about their symptoms and adverse life events attributed to benzodiazepine use. Methods This is a secondary analysis of the largest survey ever conducted with 1,207 benzodiazepine users from benzodiazepine support groups and health/wellness sites who completed the survey. Respondents included those still taking benzodiazepines (n = 136), tapering (n = 294), or fully discontinued (n = 763). Results The survey asked about 23 specific symptoms and more than half of the respondents who experienced low energy, distractedness, memory loss, nervousness, anxiety, and other symptoms stated that these symptoms lasted a year or longer. These symptoms were often reported as de novo and distinct from the symptoms for which the benzodiazepines were originally prescribed. A subset of respondents stated that symptoms persisted even after benzodiazepines had been discontinued for a year or more. Adverse life consequences were reported by many respondents as well. Limitations This was a self-selected internet survey with no control group. No independent psychiatric diagnoses could be made in participants. Conclusions Many prolonged symptoms subsequent to benzodiazepine use and discontinuation (benzodiazepine-induced neurological dysfunction) have been shown in a large survey of benzodiazepine users. Benzodiazepine-induced neurological dysfunction (BIND) has been proposed as a term to describe symptoms and associated adverse life consequences that may emerge during benzodiazepine use, tapering, and continue after benzodiazepine discontinuation. Not all people who take benzodiazepines will develop BIND and risk factors for BIND remain to be elucidated. Further pathogenic and clinical study of BIND is needed.

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Section: Discussionmentioning

confidence: 99%

“…While few formal studies have examined enduring benzodiazepine symptoms, there are thousands of accounts online from individuals who report prolonged and distressing symptoms even after complete drug discontinuation [18].…”

Section: Plos Onementioning

confidence: 99%

Long-term consequences of benzodiazepine-induced neurological dysfunction: A survey

Ritvo,

Foster,

Huff

et al. 2023

PLoS ONE

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“…The letter by Christy Huff [1] raises an important question about protracted withdrawal after benzodiazepine (BZD) discontinuation, also named persistent postwithdrawal disorder [2]. Unfortunately, the question is still unanswered as the literature is sparse.…”

mentioning

confidence: 99%

“…Unfortunately, the question is still unanswered as the literature is sparse. Ashton [3], quoted in the letter [1], commented on the lack of data on the incidence and duration of such symptoms in comparable patients who were not treated with BZD, the relative incidence in patients who discontinued the drug, and the known predictive factors to indicate patients who are especially vulnerable. Reviews are often critical (e.g., [4]), not systematic, and do no mention the prevalence or incidence of persistent postwithdrawal disorders.…”

mentioning

confidence: 99%

Persistent Postwithdrawal Syndrome after Benzodiazepine Discontinuation. A Reply to Huff

Cosci¹,

Chouinard

2021

Psychother Psychosom

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Response to "Acute and Persistent Withdrawal Syndromes following Discontinuation of Psychotropic Medications" by Cosci et al. (2020)

Cited by 2 publications

References 5 publications

Long-term consequences of benzodiazepine-induced neurological dysfunction: A survey

Long-term consequences of benzodiazepine-induced neurological dysfunction: A survey

Persistent Postwithdrawal Syndrome after Benzodiazepine Discontinuation. A Reply to Huff

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