Have you ever heard of “benzo belly?” How about abdominal distension? The gut-brain connection? Since our digestive and central nervous systems are so closely linked, our gut can take a big hit during benzodiazepine withdrawal.

In today’s episode, we’ll explore the symptoms of the gut and reveal some of their causes. We also have a benzo story from Switzerland which spans 44 years, have some great feedback in our mailbag, and highlight Benzodiazepine Information Coalition and the work they do.

https://www.easinganxiety.com/post/benzo-belly-our-gut-in-withdrawal-bfp011

Video ID: BFP011

Chapters

00:00 Introduction

08:27 Mailbag

18:51 Benzo News

20:35 Benzo Spotlight

23:00 Benzo Story

34:33 Benzo Belly: Our Gut in Withdrawal

51:23 Closing

Resources

The following resource links are provided as a courtesy to our listeners. They do not constitute an endorsement by Easing Anxiety of the resource or any recommendations or advice provided therein.

MAILBAG

NEW TO BENZO COMMUNITY / RESOURCES

• World Benzodiazepine Awareness Day (W-BAD)
• Benzodiazepine Information Coalition (BIC)
• The Withdrawal Project at The Inner Compass

CIPRO AND QUINOLONES

• The Ashton Manual
• NEJM Journal Watch: Adverse Effects of Fluorquinolones: Where Do We Stand?
• FDA Drug Safety Communication: FDA updates warnings for oral and injectable fluoroquinolone antibiotics due to disabling side effects
• FDA Drug Safety Communication: FDA warns about increased risk of ruptures or tears in aorta blood vessel with fluoroquinolone antibiotics in certain patients
• BIC: “Hidden Dangers of Fluoroquinolone Antibiotics in the Benzodiazepine-Dependent Population” by Brad Verret

BENZO NEWS

• Benzo Free Blog Post: “Happy World Happiness Day”
• Benzo Free Blog Post: “Welcome to the Benzo Community”
• Benzo Free Facebook Page

BENZO SPOTLIGHT

• Benzodiazepine Information Coalition (BIC)

BENZO BELLY: Our Gut in Withdrawal

• The Ashton Manual

Introduction

In today’s intro, we opened with the latest stats from the podcast, including 1,300 downloads in 33 separate countries. Then I shared about personal experiences with the flood of returning emotions which so many of us experience.

Mailbag

This is where we share questions and comments which were discussed:

• FOLLOW-UP: Welcoming help in identifying resources
• This was a follow-up to a comment from Juerg in Switzerland last week who was seeking German-speaking resources for his wife. W-BAD had responded with some ideas and I encouraged others to let us know what else we don’t know.
• FOLLOW-UP: Cipro and Quinolones
• I reminded the listeners of the dangers of taking quinolone antibiotics while on benzos or during withdrawal.
• COMMENT: Addiction vs. Dependence
• Anne from Canton, Michigan, U.S., commented on the need to continue to differentiate in terminology between addiction and dependence for benzodiazepines.

Benzo Stories

I shared a longer story today, from Beatrice in Zurich, Switzerland.

Feature

Today’s featured topic: Benzo Belly: Our Gut in Withdrawal

In today’s feature, I discussed benzo belly and it’s associated symptoms of the gut. I broke down the symptoms into abdominal pain, appetite change, benzo belly, constipation, diarrhea, distention, inflammation, nausea, groin pain, menstrual difficulties, pelvic floor dysfunction, urinary difficulties, vomiting, and weight change. I shared personal experiences with many of these symptoms and discussed their causes and even a few tips.

The Podcast

The Benzo Free Podcast provides information, support, and community to those who struggle with the long-term effects of anxiety medications such as benzodiazepines (Xanax, Ativan, Klonopin, Valium) and Z-drugs (Ambien, Lunesta, Sonata).

WEBSITE: https://www.easinganxiety.com

MAILING LIST: https://www.easinganxiety.com/subscribe

YOUTUBE: https://www.youtube.com/@easinganx

DISCLAIMER

All content provided by Easing Anxiety is for general informational purposes only and should never be considered medical advice. Any health-related information provided is not a substitute for medical advice and should not be used to diagnose or treat health problems, or to prescribe any medical devices or other remedies. Never disregard medical advice or delay in seeking it. Please visit our website for our complete disclaimer at https://www.easinganxiety.com/disclaimer.

CREDITS

Music provided / licensed by Storyblocks Audio

— https://www.storyblocks.com

Benzo Free Theme

— Title: “Walk in the Park”

— Artist: Neil Cross

PRODUCTION

Easing Anxiety is produced by…

Denim Mountain Press

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