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How Long Does Benzo Flu Last?
Also known as Benzo withdrawal fatigue, the “Benzo Flu” is a common symptom of Benzo withdrawal, and can be treated with medication in a professional medical setting to help alleviate symptoms.
Other than fatigue, symptoms of benzodiazepine withdrawal can include nausea, irritability, loss of appetite, insomnia, and more. In some cases, benzo withdrawal symptoms can become dangerous, causing more serious side effects [2] and even death in some cases.
Benzodiazepine withdrawal fatigue is a symptom of a bigger picture of overall withdrawal side effects and should be treated in a professional detox center or hospital to avoid unwanted complications.
So what is Benzo flu?
What Is Benzo Flu?
Benzo Flu is a colloquial term used to describe the flu-like symptoms that people experience when they are coming down from benzodiazepine dependence or addiction. Because the body gets accustom to the drug being present with long-term use, withdrawal symptoms occur as it readjusts to functioning without it.
Benzodiazepine Withdrawal Syndrome is the more formal term used to describe Benzo Flu, and can be treated by medical professionals in a benzo detox treatment center. While the severity and duration of Benzo Flu can vary depending on the person and their individual drug use, medical history, etc., many treatment centers use medication to help alleviate Benzo Flu symptoms.
How Long Does Benzo Flu Last?
The length of Benzo flu symptoms can vary, but will typically last about 5-14 days. After 14 days, most Benzo withdrawal flu like symptoms will cease [1].
Benzo Flu Symptoms
Benzo Flu symptoms can be an uncomfortable part of breaking dependence or addiction to benzodiazepines. Treatment programs often provide medication-assisted treatment for benzo withdrawal symptoms, which can help to alleviate them. Benzo Flu Symptoms include:
- Insomnia or trouble sleeping
- Irritability & mood swings
- Cold sweats
- Increased heart rate & blood pressure
- Headaches
- Muscle tension & stiffness
- Tremors or shaking hands
- Nausea & vomiting
- Hypersensitivity
- & more
Benzo Flu is essentially a cluster of symptoms that seem to mimic the flu but are actually caused by withdrawal from the drug. While many people don’t experience a plethora of withdrawal symptoms, others experience intense withdrawal. Still, others experience what is known as “benzo flu.”
While Benzo Flu symptoms have a different intensity for all, regardless of its symptoms including those that are associated with the flu. People have reported body aches, fever, sore throat, and coughing. The reason why benzodiazepines produce this “flu” response is unknown. It can begin immediately after stopping use or it can begin a few days after cessation.
Generally, Benzo Flu begins immediately after cessation [3] and lasts up to 5 days. In some more severe cases, “Benzo Flu” symptoms can last up to 4 weeks, in less common cases, some individuals may experience protracted withdrawal symptoms that extend beyond the initial flu-like phase.
Side Effects of Benzodiazepine Withdrawal
Unlike other over-the-counter medications or more natural remedies for anxiety, benzodiazepines are highly addictive. When a person stops benzodiazepines, they are very likely to experience acute withdrawal symptoms. The two most common side effects are the “Benzo Flu” and “Benzo withdrawal syndrome.”
The “benzo flu” mimics flu symptoms, as explained above, and widely affects those who take [4] or have taken benzos. Benzo withdrawal syndrome is a bit different and more intense. Benzo withdrawal syndrome is dependent upon a handful of factors. These factors include:
- Type of drug used/abused
- Amount of time taking benzodiazepines
- Dosage
- Underlying medical or mental health issues
- Abuse of other drugs/alcohol
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If a person takes a large dose or has abused benzos for many years, it is likely their benzo withdrawal process will be worse and more intense. The longer the exposure and abuse, the more intense the withdrawal symptoms. Withdrawal symptoms of benzodiazepines include:
- Sleep disturbance
- Irritability
- Anxiety & panic attacks
- Sweating
- Tremors
- Increased tension
- Heart palpitations
- Headache
- Muscular pain
- Hallucinations
The most common of these symptoms are anxiety and insomnia. Usually, these symptoms begin 1 – 4 days after cessation and last about the same amount of time. If a person is experiencing Benzo withdrawal syndrome [5], their withdrawal will usually last 10-14 days. It’s recommended that individuals experience withdrawals in a detox facility for their safety, rather than try for a risky at-home detox.
There is limited evidence to suggest significant differences between various types of benzodiazepines.. For example, Xanax and Valium typically produce similar withdrawal symptoms. However, the use of other substances such as alcohol or other illicit drugs does increase the propensity and intensity of major withdrawal symptoms.
Treatment for Benzo Flu & Benzo Addiction
Benzos affect the CNS (the central nervous system), which is why they produce a calming effect. The person immediately feels “slowed” and or more relaxed. Therefore, when a person stops taking them, they are often confronted with many feelings, and an overwhelming sense of anxiety.
Benzos are depressants, and therefore, slow all body functions including walking, speaking, alertness, concentration, memory, and coordination. When a person is going through withdrawals, they may feel disoriented and “off” as mentally and physically their body cannot keep up with the stimulation that’s being experienced. In rare cases, withdrawals can be misdiagnosed as Multiple Sclerosis, as people can have “jelly leg” symptoms.
Unfortunately, the best medication to alleviate benzo withdrawal fatigue is a benzo itself. Anti-depressants such as Zoloft can aid in a person’s anxiety and mood regulation. Magnesium has been widely used as a calming natural remedy. Overall, the best way to get over benzo withdrawal is to remember that it will not last forever. Breathwork, supplemental medications, natural remedies, yoga, and therapy can help ease one’s withdrawal symptoms as well.
What is Benzo Withdrawal Fatigue?
Benzo withdrawal fatigue is a reaction that the body has from detoxing from benzos. Tiredness and lethargy are common as the substance begins to leave the body, causing physical withdrawal as chemical dependency is broken.
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If you are dealing with Benzo addiction and need help from a benzodiazepine rehab program, our team at Renaissance Recovery is here to help.
At Renaissance Recovery we believe in an individualized approach to each of our clients. We understand that everyone’s journey is different, are committed to making your recovery experience as healing as possible.
Renaissance Recovery provides access to all types of effective, evidence-based treatments from talk therapy, to medication-assisted treatment, to helping you make connections in the community as you create a new life. If you are wondering how long does Benzo flu last, we are here to help guide you along your journey with compassion and effective care.
Reach out to us today at 866-330-9449 to start your recovery at one of the best benzo rehabs in California.
Sources
[1] https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/7841856/
[2] https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/7841856/
[3] https://www.healthywa.wa.gov.au/Articles/A_E/Benzodiazepine-withdrawal
[4] https://www.deadiversion.usdoj.gov/drug_chem_info/benzo.pdf
[5] https://www.renaissancerecovery.com/benzodiazepines/withdrawal-detox/
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