Which is a common complication of benzodiazepine withdrawal?

Which is a common complication of benzodiazepine withdrawal?

• A. Seizures
• B. Hypertrophic cardiomyopathy
• C. Hyperlipidemia
• D. Hepatotoxicity

Answer: (A)

The main idea is that stopping benzodiazepines after regular, long-term use can trigger CNS overactivity. These drugs boost GABA, the brain’s main inhibitory system. With chronic use, the brain compensates by reducing GABA receptor function and/or increasing excitatory activity. When you stop abruptly, that inhibitory brake is suddenly removed, leading to rebound hyperexcitability. This can show up as anxiety, insomnia, tremors, autonomic symptoms, and, importantly, seizures. Seizures are a common and potentially life-threatening withdrawal complication, especially with longer use or higher doses if the taper isn’t gradual. The other options don’t fit withdrawal patterns. Hypertrophic cardiomyopathy, hyperlipidemia, and hepatotoxicity are not typical withdrawal manifestations; they relate to structure, metabolism, or toxicity of other conditions or drugs, not the rebound CNS excitation seen with benzodiazepine withdrawal.

The main idea is that stopping benzodiazepines after regular, long-term use can trigger CNS overactivity. These drugs boost GABA, the brain’s main inhibitory system. With chronic use, the brain compensates by reducing GABA receptor function and/or increasing excitatory activity. When you stop abruptly, that inhibitory brake is suddenly removed, leading to rebound hyperexcitability. This can show up as anxiety, insomnia, tremors, autonomic symptoms, and, importantly, seizures. Seizures are a common and potentially life-threatening withdrawal complication, especially with longer use or higher doses if the taper isn’t gradual.

The other options don’t fit withdrawal patterns. Hypertrophic cardiomyopathy, hyperlipidemia, and hepatotoxicity are not typical withdrawal manifestations; they relate to structure, metabolism, or toxicity of other conditions or drugs, not the rebound CNS excitation seen with benzodiazepine withdrawal.