There is already an established standard timeline for benzodiazepine withdrawal triggered when a person abruptly stops or dramatically reduces consumption. However, exactly when the first symptoms will appear, how long they will last, and the type of benzodiazepine influences the severity. 

 

Withdrawal symptoms will kick in after 24 hours; in extreme cases, they could last for several months. The symptoms will vary from individual to individual, as well as the length of benzodiazepine abuse and the strength of the dose consumed. Prolonged withdrawals are also a standard feature, with 10% of users still feeling withdrawal symptoms years after they stopped the habit. Here is a general idea of the benzo withdrawal timeline stage by stage:

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• Days 1-2: - The initial withdrawal symptoms include the rebound of insomnia, anxiety, and loss of appetite, among others. These symptoms appear 6-12 hours after stopping the consumption of short-acting benzodiazepines, while long-acting benzo's symptoms appear after 24-48 hours.

 

• Days 3-7: - Insomnia and anxiety will intensify after 3-7 days for short-acting benzos. Mental symptoms such as irritability or agitation are usually set at this stage. A caregiver might monitor your condition for signs of a seizure and recommend other drugs to manage the symptoms.

   

• Days 8-14: - At this point, you might start feeling better, but symptoms will continue on and off. This primarily affects individuals who consume stronger, long-acting benzos, which tend to stay in the system for much longer.

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• Day 15-28 and beyond: - Acute withdrawal symptoms will start subsiding though some clients might experience protracted withdrawal symptoms such as insomnia, persistent cravings, or anxiety. It is highly recommended that you continue receiving mental health support for as long as necessary.

 

For shorter-acting benzodiazepines such as Xanax, Restoril, and Ativan, withdrawal symptoms typically kick in 24 hours after the drug is purged out of the patient's body. The symptoms will worsen gradually until they reach their peak on the second day, where they will slowly improve in two or three days. Acute withdrawal symptoms for short-acting benzos can last around two to four weeks.

 

Withdrawal symptoms for longer-acting benzos such as Valium and Librium usually take longer to appear. Some symptoms may occur after two days or even a week for some longer-acting benzos. After the first symptoms appear, they will continue getting intense until they reach their peak after two weeks of abstinence. They will then slowly start improving in the coming week or two. Acute withdrawal symptoms for long-acting benzos can last between two and eight weeks.