Seizures following the withdrawal of alprazolam.
Seizures were observed following the withdrawal of alprazolam administered in therapeutic dose for 10 weeks. A review of available case reports suggests that seizures, like other withdrawal phenomena, are more apt to occur with short-acting benzodiazepines. To prevent their occurrence these drugs should be discontinued gradually and consideration given to substituting long-acting drugs during the withdrawal period. Physicians should remain alert to the fact that seizures may occur as early as 24 hours after the abrupt withdrawal of short-acting benzodiazepines.
Noyes
R
R
Perry
P J
PJ
Crowe
R R
RR
Coryell
W H
WH
Clancy
J
J
Yamada
T
T
Gabel
J
J
D000328:Adult; D000525:Alprazolam; D014151:Anti-Anxiety Agents / Q000009:adverse effects* / Q000378:metabolism; D001008:Anxiety Disorders / Q000188:drug therapy; D001569:Benzodiazepines / Q000009:adverse effects* / Q000378:metabolism; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D010200:Panic; D012640:Seizures / Q000139:chemically induced*; D013375:Substance Withdrawal Syndrome / Q000209:etiology*; D013997:Time Factors
D014151:Anti-Anxiety Agents; D001569:Benzodiazepines; D000525:Alprazolam