Quitting Oxazepam: Signs and Treatment

Oxazepam is a medical benzodiazepine used for treating anxiety and insomnia. It works by reducing the activity of certain neurotransmitters in the brain.

According to Trubendorffer, in the Netherlands about 700,000 of the 1.2 million benzodiazepine users are addicted to this medication. For many, oxazepam is psychologically addictive, leading to the belief that good sleep is only possible with it. Physically, oxazepam is also addictive, with withdrawal symptoms if stopped suddenly. The body becomes accustomed to it, requiring a higher dosage for the same effect.

In the short term, oxazepam can cause drowsiness, reduced coordination, and memory problems. It may also lead to changes in mood and behavior.

If you want to quit oxazepam, it’s important to seek medical help and gradually reduce the dosage. Support from a health professional is crucial during this process.

The main withdrawal symptoms of oxazepam are anxiety and insomnia. These symptoms can last from days to weeks.

Why is oxazepam dangerous?

Oxazepam is dangerous because it can cause severe side effects, including extreme drowsiness, breathing problems, and coma. Abuse of oxazepam can lead to an overdose, which can be fatal, though few cases are known. Mixing oxazepam with other medications or alcohol increases the risk of negative effects.

According to a study by Tvete, Bjørner, & Skomedal (2016), new oxazepam users had a higher risk of dose escalation compared to new diazepam users. This indicates a higher risk of addiction for oxazepam users.

What signs indicate that someone is addicted to oxazepam?

There are various signs to indicate if someone is addicted to oxazepam.

1. Increased doses: Addicts often take higher doses of oxazepam to achieve the desired effect.
2. Withdrawal symptoms: When stopping the medication, the addict experiences symptoms such as abdominal pain, muscle spasms, and rarely, seizures.
3. Obsessive thoughts: The addict constantly thinks about obtaining oxazepam.
4. Behavioral changes: The addict steals or shops around for doctors to acquire the medication.
5. Social withdrawal: The addict withdraws from activities and relationships in favor of drug use.
6. Mood swings: The addict experiences depression and other mood changes.
7. Continued use despite negative consequences: The addict continues to use oxazepam, even if it leads to relational, financial, or legal problems.
8. Significant time spent obtaining oxazepam: The addict spends a lot of time obtaining the drug, despite negative consequences.

How to quit an oxazepam addiction

Quitting an oxazepam addiction involves crucial steps. Depending on the severity of the addiction, you choose outpatient or inpatient treatment. Medically supervised detoxification helps safely and gradually reduce the dosage while managing withdrawal symptoms.

Helping someone quit independently is challenging, and treatment in a clinic often results in the best outcomes. Here, you receive a combination of therapies, including counseling to identify thoughts and behaviors that contribute to addiction. Support groups like Narcotics Anonymous provide a sense of community during the recovery process.

How to help someone quit oxazepam

Helping someone quit oxazepam begins with understanding. Learn about the specific needs and challenges of the person. Research the potential complications of oxazepam withdrawal. Spend time with the person, offer empathetic listening, and show emotional support.

Seek professional help. Consult a healthcare provider for guidance and treatment options. Choose an appropriate treatment, such as a structured rehab program, which may include outpatient or inpatient care.

Encourage healthy activities. Help the person engage with friends and family members who have a positive influence. Encourage participation in activities the person enjoys and contribute to recovery.

Education is crucial. Help the person learn more about oxazepam, benzodiazepine addiction, and recovery. Share relevant knowledge and experiences to better prepare the person for the journey to recovery.

What happens during the treatment of oxazepam addiction in a rehab clinic?

In a rehab clinic, oxazepam addiction is professionally treated. The treatment includes multiple facets, including medical care, behavioral therapy, and support. Medical care manages oxazepam withdrawal symptoms, often through medically supervised detox.

Behavioral therapy helps addicts cope with stressful situations that may lead to substance abuse. Support is crucial to overcoming addiction and maintaining a balanced life.

There are clinics in the Netherlands and abroad that treat oxazepam addiction. These rehab clinics offer both outpatient and inpatient programs, depending on individuals’ needs.

Can foreign clinics help you quit oxazepam?

Yes, foreign clinics can help you quit oxazepam. These clinics offer a range of treatments for oxazepam addiction, depending on your needs. Treatments include medical and behavioral interventions, as well as aftercare.

Foreign clinics provide both inpatient and outpatient support. Inpatient care involves staying in the clinic for the duration of the treatment. Outpatient care involves regular visits to the clinic for check-up and support. A benefit of foreign rehab clinics is that they often have shorter waiting times.

What are the withdrawal symptoms of oxazepam?

The most common withdrawal symptoms of oxazepam are anxiety, irritability, insomnia, and muscle pain. Stopping oxazepam can cause these unpleasant symptoms, which typically begin within days of stopping and can last for weeks.

It is important to note that it is usually safer to reduce the dosage gradually under medical supervision to minimize suffering. Professional help can prepare you for what to expect and provide resources to cope with the symptoms.

The withdrawal symptoms of oxazepam differ significantly from those of other drugs.

How does quitting oxazepam differ from other benzodiazepines?

Quitting oxazepam differs from other drugs in several aspects. It is typically challenging due to the severe withdrawal symptoms, similar to substances like Xanax and Lorazepam. These symptoms can be alleviated with approved medications specifically designed to reduce the potentially severe effects of oxazepam withdrawal.

Unlike the treatment of other benzodiazepines, the treatment of oxazepam addiction is often more effective with proven therapies such as behavioral therapy and alternative management. These therapies help individuals learn to manage cravings and develop strategies to avoid using oxazepam.