Post-acute-withdrawal syndrome

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Post-acute-withdrawal syndrome
Other namesPost-withdrawal syndrome, protracted withdrawal syndrome, prolonged withdrawal syndromes
SpecialtyPsychiatry, Toxicology

Post-acute withdrawal syndrome (PAWS) is a hypothesized set of persistent impairments that occur after withdrawal from alcohol,[1][2] opiates, benzodiazepines, antidepressants, and other substances.[3][4][5] Infants born to mothers who used substances of dependence during pregnancy may also experience a PAWS.[6][7] While PAWS has been frequently reported by those withdrawing from opiate and alcohol dependence, the research has limitations. Protracted benzodiazepine withdrawal has been observed to occur in some individuals prescribed benzodiazepines.[8][9]

Drug use, including alcohol and prescription drugs, can induce symptomatology which resembles mental illness. This can occur both in the intoxicated state and during the

depression. A protracted withdrawal syndrome can occur with symptoms persisting for months to years after cessation of substance use. Benzodiazepines, opioids, alcohol, and any other drug may induce prolonged withdrawal and have similar effects, with symptoms sometimes persisting for years after cessation of use. Psychosis including severe anxiety and depression are commonly induced by sustained alcohol, opioid, benzodiazepine, and other drug use which in most cases abates with prolonged abstinence. Any continued use of drugs or alcohol may increase anxiety, psychosis, and depression levels in some individuals. In almost all cases drug-induced psychiatric disorders fade away with prolonged abstinence, although permanent damage to the brain and nervous system may be caused by continued substance use.[10]

Signs and symptoms

Symptoms can sometimes come and go with wave-like re-occurrences or fluctuations in severity of symptoms. Common symptoms include impaired cognition, irritability, depressed mood, and anxiety; all of which may reach severe levels which can lead to relapse.[11][12]

The protracted withdrawal syndrome from benzodiazepines, opioids, alcohol and other addictive substances can produce symptoms identical to generalized anxiety disorder as well as panic disorder. Due to the sometimes prolonged nature and severity of benzodiazepine, opioid and alcohol withdrawal, abrupt cessation is not advised.[13]

Hypothesized symptoms of PAWS are:[14][15][16][17]

Symptoms occur intermittently, but are not always present. They are made worse by stress or other triggers and may arise at unexpected times and for no apparent reason. They may last for a short while or longer. Any of the following may trigger a temporary return or worsening of the symptoms of PAWS:[citation needed]

Post-acute benzodiazepine withdrawal

Disturbances in mental function can persist for several months or years after

hallucinations, visual perceptual and sensory distortions which persisted for years.[20]

A clinical trial of patients taking the benzodiazepine alprazolam (

Xanax) for eight weeks triggered protracted symptoms of memory deficits which were still present after up to eight weeks post cessation of alprazolam.[21]

Dopamine agonist protracted withdrawal

After long-term use of

diaphoresis, generalized pain, and drug cravings. For some individuals, these withdrawal symptoms are short-lived and make a full recovery, for others a protracted withdrawal syndrome may occur with withdrawal symptoms persisting for months or years.[22]

Cause

The syndrome may be in part due to persisting physiological adaptations in the central nervous system manifested in the form of continuing but slowly reversible

neurotransmitters and resultant hyperexcitability of neuronal pathways.[23][24][25][26] However, data supports "neuronal and overwhelming cognitive normalization" in regards to chronic amphetamine use and PAWS.[27][28]
Stressful situations arise in early recovery, and the symptoms of post acute withdrawal syndrome produce further distress. It is important to avoid or to deal with the triggers that make post acute withdrawal syndrome worse. The types of symptomatology and impairments in severity, frequency, and duration associated with the condition vary depending on the drug of use.

Treatment

The condition gradually improves over a period of time which can range from six months to several years in more severe cases.[29][30]

Flumazenil was found to be more effective than placebo in reducing feelings of hostility and aggression in patients who had been free of benzodiazepines for 4 to 266 weeks.[31] This may suggest a role for flumazenil in treating protracted benzodiazepine withdrawal symptoms.

Acamprosate has been found to be effective in alleviating some of the post acute withdrawal symptoms of alcohol withdrawal.[32][33] Carbamazepine or trazodone may also be effective in the treatment of post acute withdrawal syndrome in regards to alcohol use.[34][35][36] Cognitive behavioral therapy can also help the post acute withdrawal syndrome especially when cravings are a prominent feature.[37]

See also

References