What is Benzo Belly?

Moreover, these symptoms can cause anxiety and panic, making the patient feel worse after feeling better. Some people experience muscle pain all over their bodies, but the pain in the stomach area is the most common side effect of stopping using your Benzodiazepine medication. All benzodiazepines can cause mild (or not-so-mild) temporary histamine tolerance issues. However, Valium is often the most offensive as it impairs the body’s ability to create DAO, an enzyme that naturally breaks down histamine. If you or a loved one is currently struggling with prescription benzo abuse, it’s never a bad time to ask for help.

Many people with “benzo belly” mistakenly become convinced they have developed a new food allergy when in reality they are experiencing withdrawal symptoms. Implementing these strategies can help manage and prevent the onset of benzo belly, thereby improving the withdrawal experience and overall gut health. It’s essential to consult healthcare professionals before making any changes to medication regimens or attempting to manage withdrawal symptoms. The primary approach to alleviating benzo belly is gradual tapering and cessation of benzodiazepines.

Medical Disclaimer

So when you stop taking them, your digestive system has to “reboot.” This process can cause uncomfortable symptoms, but with the right care, they can be managed. If you or a loved one are struggling with benzodiazepine addiction or benzodiazepine dependence, get in touch with True Self Recovery. Our team of experts understands the challenges that come with a benzo addiction, and are here to help individuals overcome them through our various treatment options. Taking a prescription drug in ways other than as prescribed by a healthcare provider can be dangerous. Benzodiazepine withdrawal is a process that should occur only under the supervision of a doctor. Do not attempt to detox from a benzo alone, or without first talking to your healthcare provider.

What’s “Benzo Belly”? Meet the Little-Known Withdrawal Symptom

Even after you’ve started feeling better, you might start experiencing the benzo belly symptoms every time you eat a big meal. Effective management of benzo belly is crucial for restoring a person’s quality of life and facilitating a successful transition away from benzodiazepine dependence. In cases of overdose, management follows advanced health guidelines, focusing on airway, breathing, and circulation, with the potential use of flumazenil to reverse sedative effects.

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• Only use medications or supplements that your doctor prescribes or approves during withdrawal, as some substances (even herbal ones) can interfere with the detox process or pose risks.
• Fermented foods like kimchi and sauerkraut are also great for gut health and can support digestion during detox.
• If you’re experiencing water retention, your doctor might prescribe a diuretic medication.
• Symptoms of “benzo belly” manifest themselves because this class of medications affectsalmost every cell in the body, including those of the gastrointestinal tract (GI tract).
• Some types of Benzodiazepines include Xanax, Librium, Valium, Ativan, Klonopin, Restoril, and Halcion.

This underscores our commitment to personalized treatment, ensuring each resident receives care that is best suited to their recovery needs. To reduce the intensity of symptoms and lower the risk of complications, medical professionals strongly recommend a gradual tapering process under clinical supervision. This approach helps the brain and body slowly adjust to the absence of benzodiazepines, minimizing withdrawal effects like benzo belly and other physical disturbances. At Villa Oasis, our medical detox program offers 24/7 monitoring and individualized care plans to help ease the withdrawal process in a safe and supportive environment. Withdrawal from benzodiazepines can be a complex and physically taxing process, particularly for individuals who have been using these medications for an extended period.

• However, long-term effects can vary, and it is essential to consult with healthcare providers for tailored advice.
• For some, gradually tapering off the medication may be necessary to avoid benzo withdrawal symptoms.
• This is because abrupt cessation can exacerbate withdrawal symptoms, including gastrointestinal distress.
• Withdrawal from benzodiazepines can be a complex and physically taxing process, particularly for individuals who have been using these medications for an extended period.

Withdrawal symptoms often include gastrointestinal disturbances such as constipation, diarrhea, abdominal pain, and bloating. These symptoms can adversely affect the gut microbiome and lead to long-term digestive issues. Over time, abuse of benzos can change your personality and emotional responses to situations. Long-term users can become aggressive and paranoid and suffer from depression.

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Digestive problems can lead to increased anxiety, irritability, and mood swings. Additionally, when your gut isn’t functioning properly, it can be harder to think clearly, manage cravings, and regulate your emotions. While benzo belly can be frustrating, it’s important to understand that it’s a natural part of the detox process, signaling that your body is adjusting to life without the drug. Managing these symptoms is possible with the right support and care, and the discomfort is usually temporary as your body heals. The long-term use of benzodiazepines can lead to dependency and addiction, with users developing tolerance to the drugs’ effects, necessitating higher doses to achieve the same therapeutic benefit.

Impact of Benzodiazepines on Digestive Health

Stress can benzo belly also impact gut motility and also cause gut permeability (leaky gut). Transitioning to a longer-acting benzodiazepine equivalent may facilitate a smoother tapering experience. In complex cases, stabilizing the dose after a significant reduction before continuing the taper can improve tolerability.

Serious or life-threatening symptoms can develop in some cases, particularly if you try to stop taking a benzo all at once after taking it regularly for a very long time. In general, no; people withdrawing from benzos must be patient and wait for symptoms to go away. Some patients can experience these symptoms for days and weeks, but they can last for months. In most cases, these annoying symptoms can be triggered by eating and drinking.

Additionally, avoiding caffeine, alcohol, processed foods, over-the-counter medications, and smoking can help to support digestive health during benzo withdrawal. By taking a proactive approach to managing Benzo Belly, you can help minimize this symptom’s impact and promote overall health and well-being. Managing the side effects of benzodiazepines, particularly “benzo belly,” involves several strategies.

Fermented foods like kimchi and sauerkraut are also great for gut health and can support digestion during detox. When you stop taking benzodiazepines, it’s not just your mind that’s adjusting—it’s your nervous system, too. Benzo belly refers to the digestive issues that often pop up during this time. Chronic benzodiazepine use can cause severe, even life-threatening withdrawal if you try to stop cold-turkey. They can also be very dangerous to mix with other drugs, particularly opioids.

Reach out to our Recovery Advocates to learn more about our treatment programs and find a plan that works well for your specific needs and situation. The psychological aspect often involves problems with concentration, which can exacerbate the distress caused by the physical symptoms. For more information about our drug abuse treatment programs, call our helpline to speak with a specialist today.