A Symphony of Stomach Issues

[[Sa...]]

I am new to post, but have gained a lot of insight from those of you that do comment.  &, I thank you for that.

 

I finished weaning off of a starting dose of .5 mg. Of Alprazolam a day in Dec. 2019. I started this process in June of 2019 using a liquid micro-taper. I had some very bad sx’s, but was able to complete my taper in 6+ mo.   

 

My only chronic issues that remain are constant burping, a gurgling/gnawing stomach, bloating, & lots of trapped gas in my stomach & intestines.  These sx’s have been with me since I started Alprazolam, through my taper, & beyond.  I’m wondering if these are symptoms of benzo belly or something else?

 

I have had numerous GI tests & blood work.  All have come back normal.  My doctor did diagnose me with IBS, but I feel that is a catch-all diagnosis when they can’t seem to tell you what’s wrong.

 

I still take Lexapro, 10mg. , & Mirtazapine, 7.5 mg. a day.  I have taken these drugs for many years, & have never had these types of issues with them.  But, now I wonder if they could be contributing to the problem too.

 

Years ago, when patients were not warned about the addictive nature of benzos, I did a dry cut taper off of Xanax by switching to Valium.  It was tough, but I don’t remember any of the above sx’s.  This time, I’m keeping a journal of my withdrawal journey & side effects.  But, hopefully, I will never have to refer back to it.

 

In summerary, did any of you experience these lingering side effects after finishing a taper, & how long did they last? Were you taking any antidepressants during this time, & did you feel that prolonged your sx’s? 

 

Any response would be greatly appreciated.  I wish you all success in quitting these drugs.  &, much health & happiness in the future.

 

JS

[[TA...]]

  Hi Sammas.  Type in benzo belly at the top right search bar..There are many symptom's of this mainly bloat discomfort. hard squeezing.food intolerance is usual with this one and will seem like IBS or stomach issues. It can last month's or year's and many have it come back a few years off.                                                                        Tass.

[[Sa...]]

Thanks Tass for your reply.  Yes, the more I read about these side effects, they seem to be Benzo belly. 

Guess I just wanted reassurance that it’s not something else.  I appreciate you answering my post. -JS

[[Ma...]]

Hi.  This very well could still be benzo belly.  Many of us have gone from specialist to specialist and get miss diagosed.  However, from what you are saying, you were not on benzos for years and years like me.  Therefore, consider seeing a gastroenterologist. When I went to one 2 years ago, he ordered an "Upper GI" test, where I swallowed some very foul stuff that I think had barium in it and they e

Xrayed me in various positions.  THEY DID find precancerous  polyps and small ulcers in my stomach. The doctor put me on medication, prilosec.  I stopped the terrible coughing that I had, which had been misdiagnosed as athsma for years. Untreated GERD or acid reflux can be dangerous.  If you see a gastroenterologis and he does the UPPER GI, and if he finds something, he will run further tests.  This way you will know for sure if it is just benzo belly or something else.  When I see specialists for ANYTHING, I take a hand out I got from the Benzodiazepine Information Coalition on the symptoms of benzo withdrawal.  Doctors just do not know about this.  If your doctor resents this, too bad.  The BIC was actually started by a cardiologist who was benzo harmed.  You can find good stuff on Benzo buddies as well, especially from Colin, but I like BIC because you can refer the doctor to the website and he/she can read for himself that it is run by medical professionals such as doctors, physicians assistants and nurse pradticioners along with sufferers such as myself who participate in the website.

[[Sa...]]

Thanks Marja for replying to me.  I have been to GI doc, & have had numerous tests done & blood work.  All were in the normal range.  I really think it’s benzo belly, but it’s been a daily occurrence since I first started taking alprazolam, during my taper, & now beyond.  Some days I can handle it, but others, I get extremely anxious, & obsess over it all day. My anxiety & my stomach issues are my main sx’s.  I know I’m luckier than most, but it’s still very annoying.  -JS

[[Su...]]

Have you considered taking a probiotic supplement? It's doing wonders to me.

SG

[[Sa...]]

Thanks Surrey Guy for replying .  I have an apt. with a naturopathic doctor next week.  I’m hoping he will give me some suggestions on what supplements to take.  I have tried probiotics, but not consistently.  They made me feel worse so I would quit them.  But, maybe I need to try them for a longer period of time.  I’ve been on several antibiotics over a the past couple of years, & I think they may have left me with bacteria overgrowth.  I hope this doc can help me explore this issue too.  I just get very anxious over my symptoms, particularly in the morning.  -JS