Enduring neurological sequelae of benzodiazepine use: an Internet survey

The second paper reporting data from the benzodiazepine experience survey is now available online.

The survey was designed in 2018 by Dr. Jane Macoubrie, a professor of communications and member of BIC’s general advisory board, and Dr. Christy Huff, director of Benzodiazepine Information Coalition, who both have lived experience with benzodiazepine harm. The survey was available online and assessed the experiences of those on benzodiazepines, in the cessation process, or post-cessation. Respondents (n=1207) were asked about their demographics, taper status, symptoms and life consequences due to benzodiazepines. The first paper was published in April 2022.

Statistical analysis was performed by D Foster, author of Benzo Free, who also has benzodiazepine lived experience In addition, two Vanderbilt psychiatrists, Drs. Reid Finlayson and Peter Martin, provided their expertise in constructing the paper. The survey team meets on a weekly basis, with meetings being led by Bernie Silvernail of the Alliance for Benzodiazepine Best Practices. Medical writing was performed by JoAnn Lequang, with input and review from all team members. 

This continued analysis of the survey data sought to better understand the acute and protracted withdrawal symptoms associated with benzodiazepine use and discontinuation.

Findings:

• The average number of withdrawal symptoms reported by respondents was 15 out of 23 possible symptoms
• Whole body trembling, hallucinations, and seizures were more likely to be short-lived symptoms, indicative of acute withdrawal
• Anxiety, sleep disturbance, low energy, and difficulty focusing were experienced by over 85% of respondents, and along with memory loss, were the symptoms of longest duration
• Prolonged symptoms of anxiety and insomnia occurred in over 50% of respondents who were not prescribed benzodiazepines for that indication
• In some respects, benzodiazepine withdrawal may be similar to alcohol withdrawal, in which acute and long-term symptoms are attributable to different underlying mechanisms
• These long-term symptoms may be due to neuroadaptive and/or neurotoxic changes induced by benzodiazepine exposure

A third paper covering benzodiazepine-induced neurologic dysfunction (BIND) is currently being submitted for publication.