What are the serious consequences of abruptly stopping oxazepam?

Oxazepam belongs to the benzodiazepine class of drugs. Prolonged use can lead to physical dependence, and abrupt discontinuation may trigger a series of serious consequences, including rebound anxiety, seizures, worsened sleep disturbances, emotional and behavioral abnormalities, and autonomic nervous system dysfunction. A detailed analysis is as follows:

1. Rebound anxiety: After sudden discontinuation, the anxiety symptoms previously controlled by the medication may sharply worsen. Patients may experience unexplained panic, restlessness, tension, and irritability. In some cases, the severity of anxiety exceeds pre-treatment levels and may even be accompanied by feelings of impending doom, significantly affecting psychological well-being.

2. Seizure episodes: This is a particularly dangerous consequence, with higher risk among those who have used high doses over a long period. Sudden withdrawal can cause excessive excitation of the central nervous system, leading to convulsions and loss of consciousness. Without supervision during an episode, patients may suffer accidental injuries.

3. Worsened sleep disturbances: Although the drug is originally used to improve sleep, abrupt discontinuation disrupts sleep rhythms, exacerbating insomnia. Symptoms may include extreme difficulty falling asleep, frequent awakenings during the night, early morning awakening with inability to fall back asleep, and similar issues.

4. Emotional and behavioral abnormalities: Patients may exhibit severe mood swings, such as irritability, anger, or depressive low mood. Some individuals may display impulsive behaviors like throwing or breaking objects, verbal aggression, or even develop self-harming thoughts, posing risks to themselves and others around them.

5. Autonomic nervous system dysfunction: Disruption of the body's autonomic nervous system balance may result in symptoms such as palpitations, chest tightness, sweating, dizziness, nausea, and vomiting. Some people may also experience tremors in hands and feet or blurred vision, which in severe cases can impair normal physiological functions.

Discontinuation of oxazepam must strictly follow medical guidance, using a gradual tapering approach—sudden self-discontinuation is not advised. Regular follow-up visits are essential during treatment, allowing doctors to develop a scientifically sound discontinuation plan based on the patient’s condition. Additionally, family members should closely monitor the patient’s status to support a safe and stable withdrawal process.