Author: Charles Frank
What Is Benzo Belly? Causes, Symptoms, & Withdrawal Treatment
With mania, you have high energy, abnormally elevated mood, or extreme changes in emotions. During your Xanax treatment, consider taking notes on any side effects you’re having. This is especially helpful when you first start taking a new drug or using a combination of treatments. Yes, adults ages 65 years and older may have a higher risk of certain side effects of benzodiazepines. (This is the drug group that Xanax belongs to.) Older adults may have higher levels of Xanax in their body because their kidneys don’t work as well. The kinds of side effects you can have may vary depending on the condition you’re using Xanax to treat.
- While it’s possible to have constipation with Xanax, some people may have diarrhea.
- For example, a person who eats lots of high-fiber foods may experience fewer problems with constipation than a person who eats high amounts of sugar.
- This is because benzos have a high risk of tolerance and dependence.
- Holistic or alternative therapies can help with benzo withdrawal pain relief.
Lastly, the protracted phase can last for several months or even years after your last dose. You may experience tingling in your arms and legs, prolonged anxiety and insomnia, cognitive defects, and depression. These symptoms can come and go – sometimes you will go months without a sign, and then they come back. “Benzo belly” typically begins in the protracted phase of withdrawal. Although symptoms get better over time, some people may have symptoms for years. Legacy Healing Center provides comprehensive addiction therapy programs that address the physical, emotional, and mental aspects of addiction.
This explains why most people quit during the withdrawal period, as they can’t live normally. Moreover, these symptoms can cause anxiety and panic, making the patient feel worse after feeling better. This article will explain what benzo belly is, how long it takes your body to get rid of the symptoms, and what you should do when you experience the annoying withdrawal effects. Did your benzo use leave you struggling with addiction and your initial struggles of anxiety? If so, dual diagnosis treatment programs can address both struggles. Once you complete detox, therapy helps you understand your addiction and manage your anxiety.
Not only do you benefit from constant supervision from clinical staff, you’re ensured a safe, comfortable place to undergo withdrawal from a variety of addictive substances. A theory that’s becoming more prominent in the scientific community explores the connection between the stomach, the GI tract and the brain. It can be demonstrated through the concept of having a “gut feeling.” This is the sensation you sometimes get in your stomach about what’s right or wrong. As it turns out, this may be more than an idiomatic expression — it may be rooted in real science. With prolonged use, benzos can become addictive and rewire the brain to accommodate the drug’s continual presence in the bloodstream.
Acute Withdrawal
Call us today to speak with a Recovery Advocate for free about your treatment options. The simplest way to prevent benzo belly is not to use benzos for extended periods. If you have been using a benzo for over a few weeks, you should explore stopping if possible. If a doctor prescribed you a benzo, you should discuss quitting with them.
Symptoms may be aggravated by certain foods and patients are often convinced they have food allergies, despite negative testing. When you call our team, you will speak to a Recovery Advocate who will answer any questions and perform a pre-assessment to determine your eligibility for treatment. If eligible, we will create a treatment plan tailored to your specific needs.
Ask them about other medications that might be better options. Xanax has a boxed warning for the risk of severe harm or death if taken with opioids. Some people report an increased sex drive, but others report a decrease.
As with any medication, the appropriate benzodiazepine depends on the patient’s condition, other medications they may be taking and their overall health. Did you know most insurance companies will cover the cost of treatment for drug and alcohol addiction? Benzodiazepines or benzos are highly addictive because the body quickly builds tolerance. This means that you need to take a larger dose to experience the same calming effect. For this reason, people can become dependent and misuse their medication. After a few weeks of regular use, the brain can stop producing these chemicals naturally.
Benzodiazepines are a class of drugs used medically to treat anxiety or reduce the likelihood of seizures. They work by enhancing the effect of the neurotransmitter gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA), which suppresses brain signals and leads to sedative and calming effects. The pain and discomfort from benzo withdrawal cause many people to continue using benzos. The best shot at achieving and maintaining recovery is in an addiction treatment center. Medical detox programs can give you benzo withdrawal pain relief.
Benzo Belly Symptoms
They work by slowing down the central nervous system, which can lead to physical dependence if used for an extended period. At Discovery Institute, our comprehensive programs address all addiction and mental health struggles. Our medical detox program can help if you are struggling with an addiction to benzos or need benzo withdrawal pain relief. The term “benzo belly” describes the stomach discomfort from benzo withdrawal. The symptoms of “benzo belly” include diarrhea, constipation, abdominal pain, and appetite changes.
And since Xanax is recommended as a short-term treatment, changes in weight may be resolved after you stop taking the drug. The only other symptoms of withdrawal from benzodiazepines that involve the GI tract or the nearby organs are nausea and inconsistent breathing. These symptoms are more acute, meaning that benzo belly symptoms can last much longer than these initial side effects, so it doesn’t seem like there’s a strong link between these factors. For those who experience this condition, it can be frustrating. Many people report that it worsens when they eat or drink anything at all, sometimes to the point that it can restrict or cause pain while breathing.
Will Xanax make me sleepy?
Older adults have an increased risk of side effects from this drug. For example, because Xanax can cause trouble with balance and coordination, it can increase the risk of falls and bone fractures in older adults. Xanax may not be right for you if you have certain medical conditions. (This is known as a drug-condition interaction.) Other factors may also affect whether Xanax is a good treatment option for you. Some important things to discuss with your doctor when considering treatment with Xanax include your overall health and any medical conditions you may have. If you have withdrawal symptoms from lowering your dose or stopping Xanax, be sure to tell your doctor.
What Other Lifestyle Changes Can Relieve Benzo Belly?
To learn about all your options for recovery services, contact FHE Health today. Keep in mind, these may alleviate the symptoms of bloating but likely won’t completely treat the source of the condition. Recovered is not a medical, healthcare or therapeutic services provider and no medical, psychiatric, psychological or physical treatment or advice is being provided by Recovered. If you are facing a medical emergency or considering suicide or self harm, please call 911 immediately.
If your doctor confirms you’ve had a serious allergic reaction to Xanax, they may have you switch to a different treatment. If Xanax is causing you bothersome constipation, talk with your doctor or pharmacist. They may recommend over-the-counter laxatives to help relieve this side effect. While it’s possible to have constipation with Xanax, some people may have diarrhea. If you’re calling on behalf of someone else, stay with them until help arrives. You may remove weapons or substances that can cause harm if you can do so safely.
How Long Does Benzo Belly Last?
Xanax may cause mild side effects other than those listed above. While usually prescribed short term, your doctor will determine how long you’ll need to take Xanax. The drugs also suppress other neurological functions, including the speed of digestion. Benzos will slow digestion, potentially causing constipation. What’s more worrying is the fact that they are one of the most prescribed drugs in the world.
The information provided on this page is intended to be informative and does not substitute or stand for medical advice. If you are concerned about any of the issues raised on this page then please seek medical advice from a doctor or treatment specialist. If you feel that you require clinical assistance, a diagnosis, treatment, or any urgent medical care then please contact 911. Eating smaller meals and sticking to a healthy diet will make digestion easier. As a result, you’re less likely to experience pain and cramps.