Benzo Belly: A Common Benzodiazepine Withdrawal Symptom FHE Health

For some people, this discomfort is enough that they end up relapsing. This is why managing benzo withdrawal, pain relief, and anxiety is so important. During benzo detox at Purpose in our medically supervised detox setting, certain prescription drugs may be recommended to relieve symptoms of withdrawal. For example, a diuretic medication may be prescribed to help with water retention. Additionally, for individuals using benzodiazepines for panic attacks, seizure disorders, or pain relief, doctors can prescribe alternative medications or treatments. Benzo belly refers to gastrointestinal issues that may arise as a side effect of benzodiazepine medications.

• Physical functioning can also be affected, with side effects such as slurred speech and cognitive impairment.
• The Recovery Village Cherry Hill at Cooper offers comprehensive addiction treatment for drug and alcohol addictions and co-occurring mental health conditions.
• A safe recovery process requires careful monitoring and adjustment of therapeutic interventions.

If so, dual diagnosis treatment programs can address both struggles. Once you complete detox, therapy helps you understand your addiction and manage your anxiety. However, this can be minimized by tapering the drug during medical detox. Although these tips won’t treat the source of “benzo belly,” they may alleviate the symptoms. Dr. Michael DeShields, MD, ASAM, DABAM, is a distinguished Medical Director with nearly 40 years of expertise in addiction medicine.

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As your brain chemistry gradually readjusts, physical symptoms improve at different rates. The protracted withdrawal phase can last months as your body returns to normal functioning. While tolerance does fade, it’s a gradual process that varies from person to person, and complete healing of your brain’s natural chemical balance takes time. Many people with “benzo belly” mistakenly become convinced they have developed a new food allergy when in reality they are experiencing withdrawal symptoms. The main phases of benzo withdrawal include early withdrawal, acute withdrawal, and protracted withdrawal. In the early withdrawal phase, symptoms typically start within a few hours to a few days of the last dose.

What Causes “Benzo Belly”?

If someone develops an addiction to a benzodiazepine medication, it means they cannot stop using the medication without experiencing withdrawal symptoms. Withdrawal symptoms are often uncomfortable and the reason that people continue using addictive substances like benzos. Benzo detox typically involves tapering or gradually reducing your daily dose. Including “benzo belly.” Stopping benzos, cold-turkey is never recommended due to severe risks, including seizures. For most drugs, withdrawal symptoms typically last 1 to 2 weeks after the last dose.

Given the potential for long-lasting and distressing symptoms, it is crucial for individuals experiencing benzo Belly to seek professional medical advice. A healthcare provider can offer guidance on safely tapering off benzodiazepines and provide support for managing withdrawal symptoms. It’s important to note that suddenly stopping benzodiazepine use without medical supervision can lead to severe complications, including grand mal seizures and delirium. Benzo withdrawal pain relief, including “benzo belly,” is one focus of medical detox. Medical detox is generally an inpatient program – meaning you live in the treatment center.

Importance of Medical Guidance During Withdrawal

It will be easier to avoid benzo use when underlying conditions like these are being managed. If you are dealing with benzodiazepine withdrawal at home, or if you are still experiencing symptoms after detox and rehab, the right strategies what is benzo belly can help. Benzo belly describes the gastrointestinal problems that are common after you stop taking benzos. Even if you are prescribed benzodiazepines, it can be helpful to attend rehab during the withdrawal process. Our state-specific resource guides offer a comprehensive overview of drug and alcohol addiction treatment options available in your area.

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

Consult a healthcare professional before starting new exercises, particularly during withdrawal. Healthcare providers may prescribe alternative medications or recommend dietary changes and therapies to manage symptoms during the withdrawal process. While the exact cause of ‘Benzo Belly’ remains unclear, it is widely recognized as a withdrawal-related phenomenon.

• The duration of benzo belly can vary depending on factors such as the individual’s overall health, dosage and duration of benzodiazepine use, and any concurrent medical conditions.
• Some of the most commonly prescribed benzos include Xanax, Valium, Klonopin, and Ativan.
• You may experience some or all of these symptoms after stopping benzos.
• To learn about all your options for recovery services, contact FHE Health today.
• Sometimes, people use benzodiazepines to self-treat anxiety, insomnia, or other mental health conditions.

Many clients also continue with addiction treatment programs with us after withdrawal and detox conclude, for more ongoing support. At Purpose, we give our clients tools to help them overcome benzo addiction even after leaving our facility. During the earliest stages of benzo withdrawal, most people experience sleeplessness, irritability, and anxiousness. If you are taking short-acting benzodiazepines, this can start hours after your last dose. The anxiety and panic that sets in as part of benzo withdrawal can make it tempting to relapse during this early period. There are other things you can do to ease the symptoms of “benzo belly.” These include daily exercise, spending time in the sun, and getting plenty of sleep.

The Effects of Benzos on Your Body and Brain

Benzo belly refers to a constellation of gastrointestinal symptoms that are commonly experienced during withdrawal from benzodiazepines. This is a class of drugs primarily used to manage anxiety and seizures. These medications function by enhancing the neurotransmitter gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA). This suppresses neural activity, resulting in soothing and calming effects. However, with prolonged use, dependence on these drugs can develop.

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. If you or a loved one are ready to begin the journey toward a substance-free life, we’re standing by to take your call. 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.

After a few weeks of regular use, the brain can stop producing these chemicals naturally. Keep in mind, these may alleviate the symptoms of bloating but likely won’t completely treat the source of the condition. As benzo use continues, your body stops producing these brain chemicals naturally.

For some people, these symptoms last for several weeks to months during the acute withdrawal phase. Gastrointestinal symptoms can persist for even years after stopping benzos completely. These changes persist until the body can restore its natural GABA function. You don’t have to face the pain of benzodiazepine addiction or withdrawal alone. Our expert benzodiazepine treatment services help minimize the uncomfortable withdrawal symptoms and guide your body through the recovery process. At Discovery Institute, our comprehensive programs address all addiction and mental health struggles.

What is “Benzo Belly”?

This reduces the risk of dependence and subsequent withdrawal symptoms. For individuals who have been using benzodiazepines for an extended period, a gradual tapering of the dosage is recommended. This is because abrupt cessation can exacerbate withdrawal symptoms, including gastrointestinal distress.

Some of the most commonly prescribed benzos include Xanax, Valium, Klonopin, and Ativan. Essentially, benzo belly happens because of the changes in the brain and the gut after long-term use. Some people experience muscle tension all over their body, but cramps in the abdomen and GI tract are most common.