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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.
Video ID: BFP011
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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
CIPRO AND QUINOLONES
BENZO NEWS
BENZO SPOTLIGHT
BENZO BELLY: Our Gut in Withdrawal
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
Benzo Free Theme
— Title: “Walk in the Park”
— Artist: Neil Cross
PRODUCTION
Easing Anxiety is produced by…
Denim Mountain Press
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