We were given permission by Dr. Dodds to publish this review. It evaluates the literature of suicide risk associated with benzodiazepines. Some highlights of his findings:
In the National Comorbidity Study Replication, the use of sleeping pills or other sedatives, many of which act on GABAA receptors, was associated with a 3-fold higher risk of suicide attempt even after adjusting for insomnia, substance use, anxiety, and mood disorder
Rebound or withdrawal symptoms also may contribute to suicide risk. While benzodiazepines are intended to treat anxiety and insomnia, discontinuation, reduction in dosage, or missed doses may lead to emergence or exacerbation of these same symptoms. Abruptly stopping alprazolam, for example, has been shown to impair sleep onset and quality in healthy volunteers after as little as 2 weeks of daily use. More research is needed to clarify the safest manner in which to taper benzodiazepines in patients at risk of suicide.
Of note, clinical impressions of individuals’ responses to benzodiazepines may be misleading, with some patients reporting benefit but then going on to behave more aggressively toward themselves or others.
Indeed, effects of benzodiazepines on aggression, impulsivity, and suicide do appear to be dose dependent. In 1 study, for example, increased suicide risk in patients with schizophrenia was only statistically significant at daily dosages equivalent to more than 15 mg of diazepam. (Note: that is .75 mg of Xanax or Klonopin, or 1.5 mg of Ativan)
Nonpharmacologic approaches, such as attending to sleep hygiene, are important for clinicians to consider. Future research should also seek to identify safer medications for the acute management of insomnia and anxious distress in suicidal patients.
ANONYMOUS says, I was on Klonopin for 30 years, tried convincing my Dr. to prescribe compounded liquid for tapering because I felt the dose (.5) taken at night was becoming paradoxical and felt like I had Akathesia. Dr.dragged his feet and I attempted to take my life. After being saved, was sent to psych hospital where drs. Kept digging for mental illness cause as I insisted it was for physical reasons! There, they said, “no withdrawals from benzos and abruptly took me off.” Home for 6 weeks and scared for each day not knowing what symptoms are still around the corner.
ANONYMOUS says, I was on Klonopin for 30 years, tried convincing my Dr. to prescribe compounded liquid for tapering because I felt the dose (.5) taken at night was becoming paradoxical and felt like I had Akathesia. Dr.dragged his feet and I attempted to take my life. After being saved, was sent to psych hospital where drs. Kept digging for mental illness cause as I insisted it was for physical reasons! There, they said, “no withdrawals from benzos and abruptly took me off.” Home for 6 weeks and scared for each day not knowing what symptoms are still around the corner.
Why aren’t Medical Professionals who are aware of the suicide risk associated with benzodiazepines, as well as the debilitating withdrawal symptoms, actively informing others in their profession of the harm induced through prescription of these medications?
I attempted suicide back in 2017 the thought never entered my mind until benzo wds. Doctors still don’t listen
Dear Joe. Yes unfortunately that is all too true about Benzodiazepines as well as a large number of other psychiatric medications.
Hi Doc, you might want to address this site using your name for what looks to be false statements and support of their site: http://cesspoolofmadness.com/?page_id=42216
Frustrated does not begin to describe what I feel. My daughter completed suicide in 2017 after stopping klonopin, a Benzo.
Thank you for publishing this as doctors think I’m making up benzo withdrawals! I was on 2 benzos for 11-12 years for a seizure disorder, and I spent about 18 months tapering. It was hell, and it still is hell at times despite being off of them for close to three months. I would not wish benzo hell upon anyone, but I’m so thankful to be off of them and to be able to find a therapist who is helping me get through this.