Paxipam (Halazepam) Withdrawal and Detox

Paxipam is a brand-name prescription medication, also known as halazepam, that was available at one time in the United States. The active ingredient in this medication is a benzodiazepine derivative. Benzodiazepines are frequently prescribed to treat a variety of conditions, including anxiety, insomnia and certain seizures disorders. While Paxipam is no longer available in the United States, other benzodiazepines like Xanax and Klonopin are widely prescribed. All benzodiazepines, including Paxipam, have the potential to be addictive. Along with addiction, the use of these drugs can lead to physical dependence. That’s why benzodiazepines are only prescribed as short-term medications. The longer someone is dealing with substance use disorder from this class, the more likely addiction and dependence are to occur.

The terms addiction and dependence are often used interchangeably when discussing both prescription and illicit drugs, but they are different concepts. Addiction is defined as compulsive, out of control drug use despite negative consequences. When someone is addicted to Paxipam or any drug, they have specific symptoms and side effects resulting from their use. For example, they often are unable to meet work, school or family obligations. Dependence occurs when the body physically becomes used to the presence of the drug. When someone has a Paxipam dependence, they will experience withdrawal symptoms if they suddenly stop using it. Physical dependence can occur with a variety of prescription drugs when they are used chronically. Even when a person follows therapeutic dosage instructions, they can become addicted and dependent.

Paxipam affects GABA receptors, which creates a calming effect that reduces anxiety. The brain eventually becomes used to a drug like Paxipam and, in response, the brain actually adapts and changes in response to its exposure to the drug. For example, someone who chronically uses Paxipam may not make enough of their own GABA. If the drug is taken away, the brain and body go into a type of shock. The longer someone uses Paxipam, the more likely they are to become addicted and physically dependent.

If you’ve been using Paxipam for a long time and you have become dependent, the best thing to do is taper down your dosage slowly. Tapering off a drug can help reduce or eliminate withdrawal symptoms. Withdrawal symptoms can be both physical and psychological and can last for weeks or longer. Usually, the physical symptoms of Paxipam withdrawal will last only a few days, but the psychological symptoms can last for weeks or months. Withdrawal from a benzodiazepine drug like Paxipam can lead to severe side effects in some people. In many cases, benzodiazepine withdrawal can be more difficult to deal with than opioid withdrawal. Possible symptoms of benzodiazepine withdrawal include:

• Agitation, anxiety or panic attacks
• Depersonalization
• Depression
• Dizziness
• Dry mouth
• Fatigue and weakness
• Gastrointestinal problems
• Hypertension
• Headache
• Insomnia
• Memory and concentration problems
• Mood swings
• Muscle aches and pains
• Sleep disturbances
• Tremors

In severe cases, people experience psychosis, hallucinations or seizures when they’re going through benzodiazepine withdrawal. Rebound symptoms are common, resulting in worse symptoms than what the drug was originally used to treat. For example, if someone was taking Paxipam to treat anxiety, they may have reemerging and worsening anxiety symptoms. Benzodiazepine withdrawal can create symptoms similar to severe psychiatric conditions, such as panic disorder and agitated depression.

axipam detox is safely done in a professional facility. Anyone who is dependent on a benzodiazepine like Paxipam will benefit from a medical detox due to the risk of severe symptoms. This is especially true for people who have taken large doses for a long time. A medical detox program provides an opportunity for a safer, more comfortable Paxipam withdrawal experience. In a medical detox, patients are given medications and provided with alternative therapies to treat physical symptoms. Patients can also receive psychiatric and mental health medications if necessary, so they can stabilize before they go on to begin addiction treatment.

Paxipam withdrawal management programs usually include psychological interventions and tapering down of their dosage as well as cognitive-behavioral therapies. Specific medications that are used during benzodiazepine withdrawal can include antipsychotics, anticonvulsants and melatonin.

We are here to answer your questions, provide information and, if you or your loved one is willing, to help you begin the process of detoxing and getting addiction treatment. Contact The Recovery Village to learn more.