In severe cases of sedative hypnotics withdrawal, which symptom may occur?

In severe cases of sedative-hypnotic withdrawal, elevated temperature and mania can occur as a result of the brain's response to the sudden cessation of these substances. Sedative-hypnotics, such as benzodiazepines and barbiturates, depress the central nervous system. When these substances are used regularly and then abruptly discontinued, the body can react with significant physiological and psychological symptoms.

Elevated temperature is part of the body's stress response during withdrawal, potentially indicating hyperactivity of the autonomic nervous system. Mania can occur due to increased excitatory neurotransmitter activity and reduced inhibitory neurotransmitter function following the removal of the depressant effects of the sedative-hypnotics. This combination can result in a state of heightened mood, increased levels of energy, and altered behavior.

In contrast, improved physical coordination is not associated with withdrawal; instead, withdrawal typically leads to impairments in coordination due to the lack of depressant effects. Loss of appetite and social withdrawal may happen in various contexts, but they are not hallmark signs of severe withdrawal compared to the prominent symptoms like elevated temperature and mania.