Xanax and diarrhea
Benzodiazepine Addiction | What Is Benzo Belly?
Stopping certain anxiety medications may cause symptoms of “benzo belly”, including diarrhea, constipation, abdominal pain, and appetite changes.
“Benzo belly” is a term used to describe the stomach discomfort that happens when people withdraw from a benzodiazepine medication.
With common brand names like Xanax, Valium, and Klonopin, benzodiazepines are a class of prescription medications used to treat anxiety and seizure disorders. They also bring the potential for abuse and addiction.
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.
Symptoms of “benzo belly” manifest themselves because this class of medications affects almost every cell in the body, including those of the gastrointestinal tract (GI tract).
Some examples of benzodiazepines include:
- Alprazolam (Xanax)
- Clonazepam (Klonopin)
- Chlordiazepoxide (Librium)
- Diazepam (Valium)
- Lorazepam (Ativan)
- Temazepam (Restoril)
- Triazolam (Halcion)
What Causes Benzo Belly?
With a benzodiazepine dependence, if drug use is stopped, the body must adjust to not having the drug present all the time. This adjustment process is what creates uncomfortable symptoms in the stomach, or benzo belly.
For most substances, withdrawal symptoms last one or two weeks after taking the last dose. Benzodiazepines are known for having long post-acute withdrawal symptoms (PAWS), or protracted withdrawal.
“Benzo belly” itself usually begins in the protracted withdrawal phase. It may continue for several weeks after the last dose of a benzodiazepine. Symptoms usually get better with time, but may last a year or more for some people.
Benzo Belly Symptoms
“Benzo belly” symptoms may include alternating diarrhea and constipation.
The condition is often made worse by certain foods. Some claim that one’s diet or particular foods help ease symptoms, and this probably varies from person to person.
Examples of other symptoms of “Benzo belly” include:
- Abdominal Pain
- Appetite Changes
- Constipation
- Diarrhea
- Lower abdominal pain
For people prescribed benzos by their doctor, they should discuss discontinuing the drug if they have been using it for more than four weeks. Evidence shows that benzodiazepines are not effective following this period and continued use only increases the chances of addiction.
People using benzodiazepines like Xanax and Klonopin without a prescription should consider speaking to an addiction professional to talk about treatment options.
Related Topic: Alcohol gastritis treatment
Is There a Benzo Belly Cure?
In general, no; people withdrawing from benzos must be patient and wait for symptoms to go away.
However, some people may find some relief by changing their diet.
Symptoms are sometimes made worse by certain foods. Many people with “benzo belly” mistakenly become convinced they have developed a new food allergy when in reality they are experiencing withdrawal symptoms.
People using a benzodiazepine medication chronically should speak with their doctor about tapering off the medication. A slow taper is usually the best option to help prevent withdrawal symptoms.
People who use benzodiazepines for longer than four to six weeks are at the greatest risk of developing a tolerance that leads to addiction.
Editor – Daron Christopher
Daron Christopher is an experienced speechwriter, copywriter and communications consultant based in Washington, DC. Read more
Medically Reviewed By – Dr. Conor Sheehy, PharmD, BCPS, CACP
Dr. Sheehy completed his BS in Molecular Biology at the University of Idaho and went on to complete his Doctor of Pharmacy (PharmD) at the University of Washington in Seattle.
Read more
Ashton, Heather. “Benzo.Org.Uk : Protracted Withdrawa[…]Benzodiazepines, ” 2004. Accessed Aug 21, 2019.
Brett, Jonathan, and Bridin Murnion. “Management of Benzodiazepine Misuse and Dependence.” 2015. Accessed Aug 21, 2019.
Medical Disclaimer
The Recovery Village aims to improve the quality of life for people struggling with substance use or mental health disorder with fact-based content about the nature of behavioral health conditions, treatment options and their related outcomes. We publish material that is researched, cited, edited and reviewed by licensed medical professionals. The information we provide is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. It should not be used in place of the advice of your physician or other qualified healthcare providers.
Can Abusing Xanax Cause Gastritis?
- Xanax And Gastritis
- Gastric Emptying
- Gastric Motility
- Symptoms
- Other Effects
- Treatment Options
Alprazolam, better known by its brand name Xanax, is a medication that affects your central nervous system (CNS).
It belongs to a class of drugs called benzodiazepines which also includes medications like diazepam (Valium), clonazepam (Klonopin), and lorazepam (Ativan).
Xanax is approved by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) to treat mental health conditions like anxiety disorders, panic attacks, panic disorders, and bipolar disorder due to its sedative effects.
Like any other prescription drug, Xanax can have a variety of side effects. Additionally, if you abuse the substance, these side effects are much more likely to occur.
One symptom of Xanax abuse that you may not be aware of is how it affects your gastrointestinal system. Specifically, abusing Xanax can cause gastritis.
How Xanax Affects Gastritis
You may be wondering how using Xanax can lead to the development of gastritis. There are a few ways the substance can create or worsen this condition.
Nocturnal Acid Reflux
First, alprazolam has been linked to causing nocturnal acid reflux.
Much like the name suggests, this condition causes acid reflux while you sleep, which can lead to gastritis.
Effects On The Central Nervous System
Similar to nocturnal acid reflux, Xanax can also lead to gastritis as it has depressive effects on your CNS. This leads to nocturnal acid reflux, and as a result, gastritis.
Soreness In Esophagus Lining
Lastly, stomach acid can cause soreness in the lining of your esophagus over time, which is commonly associated with gastritis.
Does Xanax Affect Gastric Emptying?
Though Xanax can lead to gastritis, research has found that the drug does not have an effect on gastric emptying.
Some similar drugs that do affect gastric emptying include certain antidepressants.
Does Xanax Affect Gastric Motility?
On a similar note, studies have also shown that Xanax does not have a significant impact on gastric motility, or the movement of food through the digestive system.
Symptoms Of Xanax-Induced Gastritis
So, what exactly are the symptoms of gastritis caused by Xanax? There is a wide variety of side effects associated with the condition.
Side effects of gastritis may include:
- abdominal pain/stomach pain
- ulcers
- bloating
- chest pain
- indigestion
- heartburn
- nausea
- vomiting
- feeling of fullness after eating in the upper abdomen
- vomiting blood
- black tarry stool
Gastritis can be very unpleasant and can ultimately lead to additional health risks, so it’s important to seek medical advice from a healthcare provider.
Luckily, gastritis can be treated or managed, which can prevent you from developing more health issues.
Other Effects Of Xanax On The Stomach And Metabolism
On top of gastritis, Xanax can also affect your metabolism and the way your stomach functions. For example, you may notice a change in or loss of appetite, constipation, change in stool color, and Xanax-induced weight gain or weight loss.
Other common side effects of Xanax include drowsiness, blurred vision, decreased blood pressure, decreased urination, dry mouth, and stuffy nose.
Treatment Programs For Xanax Abuse
Xanax addiction is a serious medical condition that requires the support of a healthcare provider. When it comes to substance use disorders, treatment facilities are the gold standard for recovery and care.
Finding a treatment center can be overwhelming, so if you’re near Boston, MA, we recommend Bedrock Recovery Center.
We’re a highly rated and accredited facility that offers treatment for all kinds of substance and drug abuse.
We tailor treatment for every individual to make sure that you get the support for your specific needs.
Treatment options for Xanax misuse can include:
- detox support to help you through withdrawal symptoms
- medication-assisted treatment
- support groups
- therapy
- recovery education
- inpatient or outpatient programs
Find Addiction Treatment Services At Bedrock Recovery Center
Are you or your loved one searching for help with Xanax substance abuse? Call our helpline at Bedrock Recovery Center today to learn about our highly effective treatment options.
Sources:
- Mayo Clinic
- National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases
- U.S. National Library of Medicine: PubMed
Xanax is a lethal sedative for teenagers
Drug addiction is a disease that can overtake any person. Unfortunately, addictions don't take long to develop. Yes, and highly addictive drugs may seem at first glance, safe drugs. Xanax is such a drug. The drug, designed to help in the fight against insomnia, is easy to buy in pharmacies. Xanax is a medicine that has hidden possibilities. Often it is he who is chosen by drug addicts in pursuit of an inexpensive and affordable buzz.
Even if Xanax is prescribed by a doctor and bought with a prescription, you should not forget that the treatment can cause serious consequences. The strongest sedative quickly causes addiction and should be taken under the strict supervision of a doctor and only in the doses indicated by a specialist.
Exceeding the dosage or increasing the number of doses can become addictive.
Xanax is a form of benzodiazepine that helps with anxiety and insomnia. The drug slows down the nervous system, helps relieve anxiety, a sense of threat. The person calms down, his life rhythm is getting better. But only if you follow all the rules and recommendations for taking the medicine.
In addition to dealing with anxiety, Xanax helps to cope with alcohol addiction. When refusing alcohol, a person experiences feelings of anxiety, panic attacks and other problems, the solution of which is the drug prescribed by the doctor. For medical purposes, Xanax is also used in the treatment of seizures. This is really one of the most effective and effective psychoactive substances, for which drug addicts choose it.
Xanax as a drug can radically change a person's life. Even the slightest overdose causes addiction, and with the systematic use of the drug without the supervision of a specialist, the consequences can be fatal.
Xanax: how the drug works
Treatment with Xanax rarely leads to addiction if done correctly. But the development of drug addiction due to medical care happens infrequently. Much more often, drug addicts deliberately begin to take pills of the drug.
The human brain is a receptacle for a huge number of gamma receptors (neurons). They are responsible for anxiety, restlessness, a sense of danger and other symptoms, which are eliminated with the help of Xanax. With severe anxiety, the activity of neurons increases excessively, and the drug helps to “extinguish” it. Xanax acts very quickly - anxiety and panic disappear almost immediately after taking the pill. But addiction develops quickly. Under the supervision of a doctor, the drug is quickly canceled, replacing it with other methods of treatment. With drug addiction, withdrawal does not occur.
Reviews for Xanax vary. For some patients, this medicine helps to cope with the disease. In other people, it causes serious health problems and addiction, which can be felt even between doses prescribed by a doctor.
Xanax is a drug, and if taken the way drug addicts take it, anyone can become addicted. As a result, there is a feeling of euphoria, lightness, mental activity becomes dull, the body relaxes, mood improves. A long period of Xanax use leads to dementia, mental disorders, poor coordination. With each new dose of the drug, the condition will worsen, the doses of the drug will increase, the risks to life will increase. If you have been prescribed Xanax for treatment, keep the tablets out of the reach of children and strangers. Carefully monitor your condition and be sure to visit your doctor regularly.
How to understand that a person needs help
Xanax is the effect of calmness and carelessness. But it also has a lot of side effects. Symptoms of dependence on Xanax are easy enough to recognize:
- rapid onset of fatigue, severe fatigue;
- a person is confused in his thoughts, judgments;
- the addict's speech is confused, slurred;
- severe headaches appear;
- increases sensitivity to noise;
- tremor of hands and whole body develops;
- mood changes abruptly;
- insomnia develops;
- emotions disappear;
- increased sweating;
- may experience numbness of the extremities, vomiting, nausea;
- weight changes dramatically.
Dependence on Xanax also has external manifestations. The skin may turn red and develop a rash. The face swells, becomes puffy, swelling may occur in other parts of the body, including the throat, tongue. Speech in this case becomes difficult, the voice changes.
Taking Xanax also affects the state of the gastrointestinal tract. Drug addicts experience stomach pain, diarrhea or constipation. Cardiac activity is disturbed, as a result of which an aggravated feeling of cold appears, a person shakes, freezes even in the heat. Over time, the feeling of euphoria is replaced by increased anxiety, suicidal thoughts, fears appear. This condition cannot last long - a person either goes to a specialized clinic for treatment, or dies.
The active substance of Xanax is alprazolam. The consequences of taking it can only be eliminated by specialists, so dealing with the problem on your own is not an option.
Xanax is a powerful drug, but what effect should be expected from its correct use? When treated with Xanax, the patient may experience a feeling of lethargy, slight fatigue, but such manifestations do not entail serious consequences.
Report any changes in your condition to your doctor immediately! After the abolition of Xanax, anxiety, panic attacks can develop, a person can harm himself and others. Therefore, the drug is not canceled just like that - a replacement is selected for it, the intake of which is also strictly controlled by a specialist. Cancellation of the drug takes place in stages.
| 💊 Ingredients of Xanax ® ✅ Use of Xanax ® Keep for yourself Search for analogues ⚠️ The state registration of this drug has been canceled Description of the active ingredients of the preparation Xanax ® (Xanax ® ) The scientific information provided is general and cannot be used to make decisions. Update date: 2020.11.07 Marketing authorization holder:PHARMACIA, NV/SA (Belgium) ATX code: N05BA12 (Alprazolam) Active substance: alprazolam (alprazolam) Rec.INN WHO registered Dosage form
Release form, packaging and composition Xanax®
10 pcs. - cellular contour packings (3) - packs of cardboard. Clinical and pharmacological group: Anxiolytic (tranquilizer) Pharmacotherapeutic group: Anxiolytic agent (tranquilizer) Pharmacological action Anxiolytic agent (tranquilizer), triazolo-benzodiazepine derivative. It has an anxiolytic, sedative, hypnotic, anticonvulsant, central muscle relaxant effect. The mechanism of action is to enhance the inhibitory effect of endogenous GABA in the CNS by increasing the sensitivity of GABA receptors to the mediator as a result of stimulation of benzodiazepine receptors located in the allosteric center of postsynaptic GABA receptors of the ascending activating reticular formation of the brainstem and intercalary neurons of the lateral horns of the spinal cord; reduces the excitability of the subcortical structures of the brain (limbic system, thalamus, hypothalamus), inhibits polysynaptic spinal reflexes. Pronounced anxiolytic activity (reduction of emotional stress, weakening of anxiety, fear, restlessness) is combined with a moderately pronounced hypnotic effect; shortens the period of falling asleep, increases the duration of sleep, reduces the number of night awakenings. The mechanism of hypnotic action is to inhibit the cells of the reticular formation of the brain stem. Reduces the impact of emotional, vegetative and motor stimuli that disrupt the mechanism of falling asleep. PharmacokineticsAfter oral administration, alprazolam is rapidly and completely absorbed from the gastrointestinal tract. C max in plasma is achieved within 1-2 hours. Plasma protein binding is 80%. Metabolized in the liver. T 1/2 averages 12-15 hours. Alprazolam and its metabolites are excreted mainly by the kidneys. Indications of the active substances of the drug Xanax® Anxiety, neurosis, accompanied by a sense of anxiety, danger, restlessness, tension, worsening sleep, irritability, and somatic disorders; mixed anxiety-depressive states; neurotic reactive-depressive states, accompanied by a decrease in mood, loss of interest in the environment, anxiety, loss of sleep, loss of appetite, somatic disorders; anxiety states and neurotic depressions that have developed against the background of somatic diseases; panic disorder with and without phobia symptoms. Open list of ICD-10 codes
Dosing regimenThe route of administration and dosing regimen of a particular drug depends on its form of release and other factors. The optimal dosage regimen is determined by the doctor. Compliance of the dosage form of a particular drug with indications for use and dosing regimen should be strictly observed. Individual. It is recommended to use the minimum effective dose. The dose is adjusted during treatment, depending on the effect achieved and tolerability. If it is necessary to increase the dose, it should be increased gradually, first in the evening, and then in the daytime. The initial dose is 250-500 mcg 3 times / day, if necessary, a gradual increase to 4.5 mg / day is possible. For elderly or debilitated patients, the initial dose is 250 mcg 2-3 times / day, maintenance doses - 500-750 mcg / day, if necessary, taking into account tolerability, the dose can be increased. Cancel or reduce the dose of alprazolam should be carried out gradually, reducing the daily dose by no more than 500 micrograms every 3 days; sometimes even slower cancellation may be needed. Side effectsFrom the side of the central nervous system: at the beginning of treatment (especially in elderly patients) drowsiness, fatigue, dizziness, decreased ability to concentrate, ataxia, disorientation, unsteady gait, slowing mental and motor reactions; rarely - headache, euphoria, depression, tremor, memory loss, impaired coordination of movements, depressed mood, confusion, dystonic extrapyramidal reactions (uncontrolled movements, including the eyes), weakness, myasthenia gravis, dysarthria; in some cases, paradoxical reactions (aggressive outbursts, confusion, psychomotor agitation, fear, suicidal tendencies, muscle spasm, hallucinations, agitation, irritability, anxiety, insomnia). From the digestive system: possible dry mouth or salivation, heartburn, nausea, vomiting, loss of appetite, constipation or diarrhea, impaired liver function, increased activity of liver transaminases and alkaline phosphatase, jaundice. On the part of the hematopoietic system: possible leukopenia, neutropenia, agranulocytosis (chills, hyperthermia, sore throat, excessive fatigue or weakness), anemia, thrombocytopenia. From the urinary system: Urinary incontinence, urinary retention, impaired renal function, decreased or increased libido, dysmenorrhea are possible. On the part of the endocrine system: possible changes in body weight, libido disorders, menstrual cycle disorders. From the side of the cardiovascular system: possible decrease in blood pressure, tachycardia. Allergic reactions: possible skin rash, itching. Contraindications for use Coma, shock, myasthenia gravis, angle-closure glaucoma (acute attack or predisposition), acute alcohol poisoning (with weakening of vital functions), opioid analgesics, hypnotics and psychotropic drugs, chronic obstructive airways disease with initial manifestations of respiratory insufficiency, acute respiratory failure, severe depression (suicidal tendencies may occur), pregnancy (especially the first trimester), lactation, children and adolescents under 18 years of age, hypersensitivity to benzodiazepines. Use during pregnancy and lactationAlprazolam has a toxic effect on the fetus and increases the risk of congenital malformations when used in the first trimester of pregnancy. Chronic use during pregnancy can lead to physical dependence with the development of withdrawal syndrome in the newborn. Reception in therapeutic doses in later stages of pregnancy can cause depression of the central nervous system of the newborn. Use immediately before or during labor may cause respiratory depression, decreased muscle tone, hypotension, hypothermia, and poor suckling (poor neonatal sucking syndrome) in the neonate. Benzodiazepines may be excreted in breast milk, which may make the newborn drowsy and make feeding difficult. experimental studies show that alprazolam and its metabolites are excreted in breast milk. Use in hepatic impairmentAlprazolam should be used with caution in patients with hepatic impairment. Use in Impaired Renal Function Alprazolam should be used with caution in patients with impaired renal function. Use in childrenContraindication: children and adolescents under 18 years of age. Use in elderly patientsFor elderly or debilitated patients, the initial dose is 250 mcg 2-3 times / day, maintenance doses - 500-750 mcg / day, if necessary, taking into account tolerability, the dose can be increased. Special instructionsIn endogenous depression, alprazolam can be used in combination with antidepressants. When using alprazolam in patients with depression, there have been cases of the development of hypomanic and manic states. Alprazolam should be used with caution in patients with hepatic and/or renal impairment. In patients who have not previously taken drugs that affect the central nervous system, alprazolam is effective at lower doses compared with patients who received antidepressants, anxiolytics or suffering from chronic alcoholism. With long-term use in high doses, the development of addiction and the formation of drug dependence is possible, especially in patients prone to drug abuse. With rapid dose reduction or abrupt withdrawal of alprazolam, a withdrawal syndrome occurs, the symptoms of which can range from mild dysphoria and insomnia to a severe syndrome with abdominal and skeletal muscle cramps, vomiting, increased sweating, tremors and convulsions. The withdrawal syndrome is more common in individuals who have received alprazolam for a long time (more than 8-12 weeks). Other tranquilizers should not be co-administered with alprazolam. The safety of alprazolam in children and adolescents under 18 years of age has not been established. Children, especially at a younger age, are very sensitive to the inhibitory effect of benzodiazepines on the central nervous system. Avoid drinking alcohol during treatment. Influence on the ability to drive vehicles and mechanisms During the period of treatment, one should refrain from engaging in potentially hazardous activities that require increased attention and speed of psychomotor reactions (driving vehicles or working with mechanisms). Drug interactionsWith the simultaneous use of psychotropic, anticonvulsants, drugs and ethanol, an increase in the inhibitory effect of alprazolam on the central nervous system is observed. With simultaneous use of blockers of histamine H 2 receptors reduce the clearance of alprazolam and increase the inhibitory effect of alprazolam on the central nervous system; macrolide antibiotics - reduce the clearance of alprazolam. With simultaneous use of hormonal contraceptives for oral administration increase T 1/2 alprazolam. With the simultaneous use of alprazolam with dextropropoxyphene, more pronounced CNS depression is observed than in combination with other benzodiazepines, tk. it is possible to increase the concentration of alprazolam in the blood plasma. Simultaneous intake of digoxin increases the risk of developing intoxication with cardiac glycosides. Alprazolam increases the plasma concentration of imipramine.    Copyright © · The Wright Initiative · Articles · Site Map 
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