Benzodiazepines, such as Xanax, Ativan, and Valium, are widely prescribed to manage anxiety, panic attacks, and insomnia and while these medications can provide short-term relief, benzodiazepines worsen anxiety symptoms over time.

Many individuals find themselves in a frustrating cycle where anxiety intensifies as a dose wears off or when attempting to discontinue the medication. This troubling pattern is frequently linked to the development of physical dependence, which can occur even with prescribed use.

How Benzodiazepines Can Worsen Anxiety Over Time?

If you find yourself on a rollercoaster of anxiety, with symptoms flaring up as soon as you miss a dose or even between doses, you are not alone. Many individuals who turn to benzodiazepines for relief discover that their anxiety only intensifies over time. This paradoxical effect is not only frustrating but also leads to a vicious cycle of dependence and worsening mental health.

Common Benzodiazepines (Benzos):

Benzodiazepines are used for treating conditions like seizure disorders, catatonia, and life-threatening withdrawal from alcohol and other sedatives. However, the most common reason for their prescription is anxiety. In moments when you can’t sleep, eat, or breathe without feeling overwhelming anxiety, benzodiazepines are a go-to drug.

can xanax worsen anxiety

Unfortunately, the anti-anxiety effects of benzodiazepines often last only a few weeks or, if you’re lucky, months.

One of the few studies on the long-term effectiveness of benzodiazepines found that people who took Xanax for anxiety did worse after eight weeks than those who took a placebo.

Anxiety or Benzo Withdrawal?

Many people experience interdose withdrawal—mini-withdrawals between doses—especially with short-acting benzodiazepines. This can make it difficult to distinguish between withdrawal symptoms and the anxiety the benzodiazepines were meant to treat.

Even medical professionals often mistake withdrawal symptoms for an underlying condition, which complicates the treatment process and can lead to over-reliance on these medications.

Long-Term Use of Benzodiazepines: Worsened Anxiety and Dependence

Over the past two decades, benzodiazepine prescriptions in the U.S. have tripled. A 2015 study revealed that more than of the U.S. population filled prescriptions for benzodiazepines, with up to a third of those being long-term users, despite labels advising against extended use.

Long-term use of benzodiazepines presents a complicated picture.

The brain quickly develops a tolerance, leading to dependence and benzodiazepine addiction in just a few weeks of regular use.


As tolerance increases and the urge to avoid withdrawal discomfort grows, this can develop into a full-blown addiction.


 When you stop taking them suddenly, your brain struggles to manage anxiety on its own, often resulting in worsened symptoms. This dependence can lead to misuse and abuse as individuals take higher doses to cope with their growing anxiety and discomfort, further exacerbating the problem.

Additionally, the frustration and anger from the lack of relief can contribute to a deteriorating mental state.

Some users may resort to obtaining designer benzodiazepines like Bromazolam, Etizolam or Fake Xanax Bars to cope with withdrawal and anxiety, increasing the risks associated with counterfeit and contaminated drugs.

How Benzodiazepines Can Trigger Rebound Anxiety?

Benzodiazepines work by calming the central nervous system, providing immediate relief from anxiety symptoms. However, this relief comes at a cost. Over time, many users find that their anxiety returns more intensely once the medication wears off—a phenomenon known as rebound anxiety.

For example, a person who initially took benzodiazepines for mild anxiety might experience panic attacks or severe anxiety when they miss a dose. This cycle can create dependency, where the individual feels they need to keep taking the medication just to feel “normal”.

Understanding Rebound Anxiety with Short-Acting Benzodiazepines

Rebound anxiety is more likely to happen with short-acting or intermediate-acting benzodiazepines—in other words, those with a shorter half-life. Half-life refers to the amount of time it takes your body to absorb and process a given medication. Benzodiazepines with short and intermediate half-lives include:

  • Alprazolam (Xanax)
  • Triazolam (Halcion)
  • (Ativan)

Longer-acting benzodiazepines, such as diazepam (Valium), flurazepam (Dalmane), and clonazepam (Klonopin), are less likely to cause rebound anxiety.

long term effects of benzodiazepine use

Long-Term Effects of Benzodiazepine Use: Worsened Anxiety and Dependence

Long-term users attempting to stop benzodiazepines often face significant challenges. Research indicates that about one-third of those trying to discontinue these medications struggle to do so successfully. Withdrawal symptoms include heightened anxiety, irritability, insomnia, and physical symptoms like tremors and nausea.

The discomfort and anxiety from withdrawal can lead to further abuse of the benzos as individuals try to find relief from their symptoms.

How To Taper Off Benzos To Manage Withdrawal Anxiety?

Studies show that individuals with a history of long-term benzodiazepine use often enter detox programs with high levels of anxiety and depression, but these symptoms decrease significantly after successfully tapering off the medication.

Many patients report feeling better both mentally and physically after several months of abstinence.

For instance, one study found that individuals who gradually taper off from benzodiazepines experienced less severe anxiety and improved overall health within six months.

Benzo Withdrawal Symptoms and the Struggle to Stop

Recognizing the symptoms of benzodiazepine abuse, addiction, and withdrawal is crucial for getting the help you need. Benzodiazepine withdrawal can be challenging and dangerous, and understanding the signs can guide you to seek professional assistance.

Symptoms of Abuse and Addiction

Benzodiazepine abuse and addiction can manifest in various ways. Here are some common signs:

Increased Tolerance: Needing higher doses to achieve the same effect.
Doctor Shopping: Visiting multiple doctors to obtain more prescriptions.
Neglecting Responsibilities: Ignoring work, school, or family obligations.
Behavioral Changes: Increased secrecy, social withdrawal, or irritability.
Physical Symptoms: Drowsiness, confusion, blurred vision, and dizziness.
Compulsive Use: Continuing to use benzodiazepines despite negative consequences.

Withdrawal Symptoms

When attempting to quit or reduce benzodiazepine use, withdrawal symptoms can be severe and include:

Anxiety and Panic Attacks: Intense and often more severe than the original symptoms treated.
Insomnia: Difficulty sleeping or staying asleep.
Irritability and Mood Swings: Increased agitation and emotional instability.
Physical Symptoms: Tremors, muscle pain, headaches, and sweating.
Gastrointestinal Issues: Nausea, vomiting, and abdominal cramps.
Seizures: A serious and potentially life-threatening withdrawal symptom.

FAQs

  1. Can benzodiazepines cause anxiety to worsen over time?
    Yes, long-term benzodiazepine use can lead to rebound anxiety, a condition where anxiety symptoms become more intense as the medication’s effects wear off.
  2. What is rebound anxiety?
    Rebound anxiety occurs when anxiety symptoms return more intensely after benzodiazepine effects fade, commonly with short-acting benzodiazepines like Xanax.
  3. How can I manage benzo withdrawal symptoms?
    A gradual tapering plan, guided by a medical professional, can help manage withdrawal symptoms and reduce dependency.
  4. Is long-term benzodiazepine use safe?
    Benzodiazepines are generally recommended for short-term use due to the risks of dependence and increased anxiety over time.

 

Get Help For Benzodiazepine Detox and Addiction Treatment in Florida

If you or a loved one is struggling with benzodiazepine dependence, it is crucial to seek professional help. At Still Detox, we specialize in medical detox and structured tapering programs designed to prevent relapse and support long-term mental health. Our comprehensive approach includes anxiety management, coping strategies without medication, and ongoing support to help you stay off benzos for good. Contact Still Detox today to start your journey towards a healthier, medication-free life.

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(561) 556-2677