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Writer's pictureD E Foster
Apr 30, 2019

The Assault on Our Senses: Benzo Withdrawal Symptoms of the Eyes, Ears, Nose, and Mouth

Updated: Mar 23, 2023

Have you heard the term ‘sensory hypersensitivity,’ but don’t really know what it means? Perhaps you should ask someone in benzo withdrawal. Sensitivity to sights, sounds, smells, and tastes can be common. Learn the causes and a few tips on how to cope.


In today’s episode, we talk about the withdrawal symptoms of the eyes, ears, nose, and mouth. These include light and sound sensitivity, blurred vision, dry mouth, thrush, difficulty swallowing, and tinnitus among others. We also hear a benzo story from Washington, DC, learn the role homeostasis plays in recovery, and spotlight an amazing documentary film by an Irish journalist.


Video ID: BFP016

 

Listen to the Podcast


The Benzo Free Podcast is also available on...

 

Chapters


00:00 Introduction 08:59 Mailbag 16:14 Benzo News 19:02 Benzo Spotlight 22:20 Benzo Story 36:38 FEATURE: The Assault on Our Senses 53:13 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.


MAILBAG

BENZO NEWS

BENZO SPOTLIGHT

FEATURE: The Assault on Our Senses

 

Introduction


In today’s intro, I decided to talk about a TV show. A sitcom that my wife and I watched which triggered an emotional reaction in me, and it didn’t in my wife. It reminded me of how, even if someone was by your side all throughout benzo withdrawal, they still probably really know what it was like.

 

Mailbag


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

  • QUESTION: What about homeostasis? “Am I ’tilting at windmills’ or dealing with real underlying health issues?” This comment was from Terry in Hot Springs, Arkansas, USA. He wanted to know if our symptoms are actually part of homeostasis, our bodies ability to heal and return to normal, or actually some other underlying health issue. I explained to Terry that it’s might be a good idea to get things checked out when you are really concerned, but that in the end, most of the time, it is just your body healing.

  • QUESTION: Do you happen to know anything that could help with my appeal for disability benefits? This question was from Jill in Alabama, USA. There was a lot more to this question, but it was more than I was able to share on the podcast. My wife, Shana, helped find some information for Jill and sent it to her.

 

Benzo News


We discussed a variety of stories around the benzo community in this section today.

 

Benzo Spotlight


Today’s spotlight was focused on “The Benzodiazepine Medical Disaster,” a film by journalist Shane Kenny which featured full-length interviews with Prof. Ashton and Prof. Lader.

 

Benzo Stories


Today’s story was from a friend in Washington, D.C.

 

Feature


Today’s featured topic: The Assault on Our Senses: Benzo Withdrawal Symptoms of the Eyes, Ears, Nose, and Mouth


This was another installment in our 14-part series on benzo withdrawal symptoms. It focused on the hypersensitivity of the senses along with other related problems of the eyes, nose, ears, and mouth. These included the following:

  1. Blurred and double vision

  2. Eyelid spasms

  3. Difficulty swallowing

  4. Dry mouth

  5. Metallic taste in the mouth

  6. Oral thrush

  7. Sore and dry eyes

  8. Sound and light sensitivity

  9. Tinnitus

  10. Unusual smells

We discussed the underlying mechanisms in play for causing hypersensitivity, took a look at each symptom in detail, and even shared a few tips for how to cope with these hindrances.

 

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).



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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