What is a potential consequence of abrupt benzodiazepine withdrawal?

The potential consequence of abrupt benzodiazepine withdrawal includes heightened anxiety and seizures. When a person who has been using benzodiazepines suddenly stops taking them, the body may react adversely due to dependence that has developed during the period of use. Benzodiazepines enhance the effects of GABA, a neurotransmitter that promotes relaxation and calmness; therefore, suddenly discontinuing these medications can result in a rebound effect.

This rebound effect often manifests as increased anxiety levels because the calming influence of the drug is abruptly removed. Furthermore, withdrawal can lead to seizures in susceptible individuals, particularly if they have been using high doses or have been on benzodiazepines for a prolonged period. The withdrawal symptoms can begin within hours to days after the last dose and can be quite severe, requiring careful management and often a medically supervised tapering process to mitigate these risks.

In contrast, the other presented options do not accurately reflect the acute effects of benzodiazepine withdrawal. For example, sedation or enhanced cognitive function is unlikely as the sedative effects of the drug wear off during withdrawal. Psychotic symptoms may occur in some severe withdrawal cases, but they are not as common as heightened anxiety and seizures. Thus, the most significant and immediate concern during abrupt