However, with prolonged use, dependence on these drugs can develop. In turn, this can lead to a challenging withdrawal phase characterized by benzo belly. Certain medications, such as anticonvulsants or antiepileptic drugs, may be prescribed to help manage withdrawal-related seizures. These medications can help stabilize the brain’s electrical activity and reduce the risk of seizures during the withdrawal process. Other medications, such as certain antidepressants or sleep aids, may be used to manage symptoms of anxiety, depression, or insomnia that often accompany benzo withdrawal.
Is Valerian Root Good for Anxiety?
Xanax has a boxed warning for the risk of severe harm or death if taken with opioids. A boxed warning is the most serious warning antagonist definition and usage examples from the FDA. Yes, adults ages 65 years and older may have a higher risk of certain side effects of benzodiazepines.
Xanax Side Effects
Engaging in relaxation techniques, such as deep breathing exercises or meditation, can also help manage stress and promote a sense of calm. Eating a balanced diet, rich in nutrient-dense foods, can support overall physical and mental health. Avoiding caffeine, nicotine, and other stimulants can also help minimize withdrawal symptoms. The initial stage, known as the acute withdrawal phase, usually begins within a few days after the last dose of benzodiazepine and can last for several weeks. During this stage, individuals may experience intense physical and psychological symptoms, including anxiety, insomnia, tremors, and mood swings. Your healthcare provider will schedule follow-up visits after prescribing benzodiazepines.
Other side effects of Xanax
Your doctor will determine the best dosage to fit your needs. Most of these side effects may go away within a few days to a couple of weeks. However, if they become more severe or do not go away, talk with your doctor or pharmacist. Some side effects pregabalin wikipedia could go away within several weeks and others could remain throughout your treatment. For example, you may have problems with memory, learning, or concentration while taking Xanax. And it’s possible these side effects won’t go away with time.
No matter the cause of constipation, physical activity will get your bowels moving. Try 10 minutes of walking, some light stretches, or doing chores around the house. Talk with your doctor about what kind of activity might work for you. One kind of fiber, the «soluble» type, is especially helpful for opioid constipation.
- With misuse, a drug is taken in a way other than how it’s been prescribed.
- Recognition of the condition is vital for proper management, as abrupt cessation of benzodiazepines can lead to severe withdrawal symptoms.
- If you feel you need help avoiding alcohol while taking Xanax, talk with your doctor.
- You can reach out to your doctor or pharmacist if you have additional questions.
- Xanax, a benzodiazepine that is also known by its generic name alprazolam can cause constipation in some users.
The most common side effects of Xanax are sleepiness, dizziness, and blurry vision. Xanax can also cause constipation in some people, but the occurrence is not universal. If you find that you’re experiencing constipation as a result of taking Xanax and it’s interfering with your ability to go to the bathroom, talk to your doctor about other options. In dmt some instances, constipation may only be temporary and will go away as soon as you stop taking the medication. Other patients may experience more serious side effects such as abdominal pain and bloody stools when they take Xanax for an extended period of time or at high doses. Other possible side effects include dizziness and a decrease in libido.
This typically leads to issues like flatulence, diarrhea, and stomach pain. However, researchers think that the gas and acids may also sometimes slow down digestion and cause constipation. Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) refers to a group of symptoms that occur together and cause pain in the abdomen. The type of IBS you have depends on whether you have constipation, diarrhea, or both.
You can share these notes with your medical professional. This is very helpful to do when you first take new medications or use multiple treatments. If your medical professional confirms you had a serious allergic reaction to Xanax, they may recommend that you switch to a different treatment. If you have seizures while taking Xanax, it’s important to tell your medical professional right away. They’ll typically prescribe a different treatment for you.
If your prescription label is hard to read, talk with your doctor or pharmacist. Some pharmacies offer labels that have large print, braille, or a code you scan with a smartphone to convert text to speech. If your local pharmacy does not have these options, your doctor or pharmacist may be able to direct you to one that does. If you’re pregnant or planning to become pregnant, talk with your doctor about the possible risks and benefits of taking Xanax. The active drug in Xanax is alprazolam, while the active drug in Valium is diazepam. It can also interact with certain supplements as well as certain foods.
If they say that it’s safe to take an opioid with Xanax, they’ll discuss the risks with you. They may also lower your Xanax dosage to lessen your risk for side effects as much as possible. Xanax may not be safe to take during pregnancy, depending on how far along the pregnancy is. Babies born to people who took benzodiazepines such as Xanax in the later stages of pregnancy have experienced withdrawal symptoms and extreme drowsiness. This is called neonatal sedation and withdrawal syndrome (NOWS).
If you’re concerned about benzos addiction treatment and how to get off it, the side effects, withdrawal processes, and other potential risks, this article is a must-read. It also discusses that prolonged use can lead to dependence and extreme addiction. Before you drive, go back to work, use heavy tools and machinery, or participate in other potentially dangerous activities, talk to your healthcare provider. They can guide you on what you can do to take your medications as prescribed and stay safe at the same time. Treatments for Xanax addiction typically focus on the use of cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) to help people change thoughts and behaviors that influence substance use. Therapy can also help people develop healthier coping mechanisms for managing life’s stresses.
The primary approach to alleviating benzo belly is gradual tapering and cessation of benzodiazepines. However, certain medications may be prescribed to mitigate gastrointestinal symptoms. These medications aim to address the specific symptoms of benzo belly. They sometimes last several months or even beyond a year.
If you have unused medication that has passed the expiration date, ask your pharmacist how to properly dispose of it. For example, you may take it in the morning, after lunch, and in the evening. If you have anxiety that prevents you from falling asleep at night, your doctor may recommend taking your last dose of Xanax before going to bed. Certain withdrawal symptoms may sometimes last for several weeks or months. Cannabis is often known as marijuana or “weed.” Taking Xanax with cannabis could increase the risk of side effects from Xanax, especially sleepiness.
These medications are tightly regulated and are only available with a prescription. You may have an increased risk of dependence and withdrawal if you take more than 4 milligrams (mg) of Xanax per day. You may also have an increased risk if you take Xanax for a long period of time.
If you think you might be dependent or addicted to Xanax, treatments are available that can help. Talk to your doctor about a tapering schedule that will help you stop using Xanax. In some instances, your doctor may recommend switching to a longer-acting benzodiazepine in conjunction with tapering to help manage withdrawal symptoms. From the studies cited, it has not been determined whether these symptoms are clearly related to the dose and duration of therapy with Xanax in patients with panic disorder. There have also been reports of withdrawal seizures upon rapid decrease or abrupt discontinuation of Xanax Tablets. With misuse, a drug is taken for a purpose or in a way that a doctor has not prescribed.
For more information about side effects of Xanax, see the “Xanax side effects” section above. If you have questions about consuming other foods with Xanax, talk with your doctor. To learn more about cannabis and the drug, talk with your doctor. Taking Xanax with the herb St. John’s wort may lower the level of Xanax in your body. Here’s some information about herbs, supplements, and Xanax treatment. Be sure to talk with your doctor before taking any herbs or supplements with Xanax.
Constipation is a common problem, and you don’t have to suffer from it just because you’re taking Xanax. Medications like laxatives can also help with constipation relief. Constipation is one common side effect of taking Xanax but it’s rarely serious and usually goes away after a few days without any treatment needed. Drinking more water will get your digestive system moving again, you can also add fiber to the diet, take medications including herbal laxatives, or use probiotics.
People who experience greater feelings of anger may also report worse mood disorder symptoms. A multitude of complications can arise from the abrupt withdrawal of benzodiazepines, many of which require hospital admission. Increasing physical activity and getting enough sleep can help IBS symptoms. Mental health and relaxation therapies may help manage the condition as well. There are even medications to help treat some symptoms such as stomach pain, diarrhea, and constipation. It’s important to talk to your health care provider before beginning any treatment.
