sedative, hypnotic, or anxiolytic withdrawal
in DSM–IV–TR and DSM–5, a characteristic withdrawal syndrome, potentially life threatening, that develops after cessation of (or reduction in) prolonged, heavy consumption of sedative, hypnotic, or anxiolytic drugs. Symptoms may include autonomic hyperactivity; increased hand tremor; insomnia; nausea or vomiting; transient visual, tactile, or auditory hallucinations or illusions; psychomotor agitation; anxiety; either a transient worsening (rebound) of the condition that prompted treatment or a recurrence of that condition; and tonic–clonic seizures. Risks of physiological dependence and withdrawal are present with long-term use of all benzodiazepines and similarly acting anxiolytics. Short-acting benzodiazepines pose particular withdrawal risks, and patients taking high doses of short-acting agents must be carefully withdrawn over an extended period to avoid adverse outcomes. See also substance withdrawal.