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Do we get sick more often during benzo withdrawal? Do we get more infections? Do we suffer more hormonal imbalances? Does benzo use and withdrawal affect our immune and endocrine systems, and if so, what can we do about it?
In today’s episode, we discuss benzos’ effects on these two essential systems. We also hear a story from New England, answer a question on adjuvant medication, and talk a bit about connections.
Video ID: BFP043
Listen to the Podcast
Chapters
00:57 Introduction 09:06 Mailbag 14:32 Benzo Story 23:58 Feature 41:05 Moment of Peace
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.
BENZO STORY
FEATURE: Immune and Endocrine Symptoms of Benzo Withdrawal
Arvat, Emanuela, Barbara Maccagno, Josefina Ramunni, Lidia Di Vito, Roberta Giordano, Laura Gianotti, Fabio Broglio, Franco Camanni, and Ezio Ghigo. “The Inhibitory Effect of Alprazolam, a Benzodiazepine, Overrides the Stimulatory Effect of Metyrapone-Induced Lack of Negative Cortisol Feedback on Corticotroph Secretion in Humans.” The Journal of Clinical Endocrinology & Metabolism 84(8)(August 1999). Accessed November 1, 2019. https://doi.org/10.1210/jcem.84.8.5911.
Ashton, C. Heather. Benzodiazepines: How They Work and How to Withdraw (aka The Ashton Manual). 2002. Accessed April 13, 2016. http://www.benzo.org.uk/manual.
Foster, D E. Benzo Free: The World of Anti-Anxiety Drugs and the Reality of Withdrawal. Erie, Colorado: Denim Mountain Press, 2018. https://easinganxiety.com/book.
“Know your brain: HPA axis.” Neuroscientifically Challenged. June 4, 2014. Accessed November 1, 2019. https://www.neuroscientificallychallenged.com/blog/2014/5/31/what-is-the-hpa-axis.
Newman, Tim. “How the immune system works.” Medical News Today. January 11, 2018. Accessed November 1, 2019. https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/320101.php.
Obiora, Eneanya, Richard Hubbard, Robert D. Sanders, and Puja R. Myles. “The impact of benzodiazepines on occurrence of pneumonia and mortality from pneumonia: a nested case-control and survival analysis in a population-based cohort.” BMJ Journals Thorax 68(2). Accessed November 1, 2019. https://thorax.bmj.com/content/68/2/163.full.
“Widely used sedatives/sleeping pills linked to increased fatal pneumonia risk: Benzodiazepines affect immune system, study suggests.” ScienceDaily. December 5, 2012. https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/12/121205200210.htm.
Zimmermann, Kim Ann. “Endocrine System: Facts, Functions and Diseases.” Live Science. February 16, 2018. Accessed November 1, 2019. https://www.livescience.com/26496-endocrine-system.html.
Episode Summary
Today, we return to our 14-part series on the symptoms of benzo withdrawal by taking a look at our immune and endocrine systems. The evidence is somewhat anecdotal, but it appears that benzos can wreak havoc on these symptoms in some people. We also hear a story from New England, answer a question about what other mediations one can take during withdrawal, and discuss the connections many of us experience within the benzo community.
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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