Benzodiazepine withdrawal effects.

Abstract

1. Twenty-nine patients with anxiety neurosis who had completed a one week placebo, three week active drug study on either halazepam or oxazepam were observed for eight weeks for withdrawal effects. Half of the patients received a placebo for the first two weeks of the withdrawal study and half had all medication abruptly stopped. 2. There was no significant difference in the pattern of withdrawal between halazepam, an intermediate range benzodiazepine, and oxazepam, a short acting benzodiazepine. 3. Withdrawal symptoms were apparent, maximally between week 1 and 2 together with possible rebound effects. 4. Patients who received placebo had significantly less severe withdrawal symptoms than those who had their medication abruptly discontinued.