Tapering off and stopping
To prevent dependence it is important not to use benzodiazepines for too long. Discuss with your doctor or psychiatrist how you can best stop. Tapering off slowly is the safest way, so that you do not get too many withdrawal symptoms.
In the Netherlands, family doctors often work with a fixed schedule from their guideline on sleep problems: first switch to diazepam, keep that dose for 2 weeks, and then reduce by 25% of the starting dose every week. If there are many complaints, a step can be postponed for a week. Schedules differ from country to country; follow the schedule you agree with your own doctor.
Withdrawal symptoms
Common physical withdrawal symptoms
- stiffness
- stomach problems
- feeling as if you have flu
- visual problems
- dizziness
Common psychological withdrawal symptoms
- anxiety
- sleeplessness
- nightmares
- memory and concentration problems
- depressive complaints
- hallucinations
- oversensitivity to light, sound or touch
Withdrawal symptoms usually disappear after a number of weeks. Sometimes it takes longer, and sometimes you do not get them at all. Always discuss your complaints and worries with your doctor or pharmacist.
Does tapering off cause problems?
Tapering strips can offer a way forward. Read also our tips for tapering off your medication.
Never stop benzodiazepines abruptly after long-term use.
Prof. dr. Jim van Os, Chair Division Neuroscience, Utrecht University Medical Centre. Jim works at the interface of ‘hard’ brain science, health services research, art and subjective experiences of people with ‘lived experience’ in mental healthcare.
Jim has been appearing on the Thomson-Reuter Web of Science list of ‘most influential scientific minds of our time’ since 2014. In 2014 he published his book ‘Beyond DSM-5‘, and in 2016 the book ‘Good Mental Health Care’. In 2026 he published 'Wat psychisch lijden is'.
Want to read more?
Blogs by Jim van Os can be read here
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