Does benzodiazepines cause weight gain?

Weight Fluctuations

Consistent Xanax abuse can cause both weight gain and weight loss. Sometimes, people who abuse Xanax reduce their energy output and sleep more, which can cause weight gain. Conversely, some people lose their appetite entirely. This can cause drastic weight loss instead.

What are the most frequently found side effects of benzodiazepines?

Can benzodiazepine cause weight loss?

Benzodiazepines cause small loss of body weight.

Does benzo belly go away?

Is There a Benzo Belly Cure? In general, no; people withdrawing from benzos must be patient and wait for symptoms to go away. However, some people may find some relief by changing their diet. Symptoms are sometimes made worse by certain foods.

What does benzo belly mean?

The term “benzo belly” describes the stomach discomfort from benzo withdrawal. The symptoms of “benzo belly” include diarrhea, constipation, abdominal pain, and appetite changes. Benzos treat anxiety and seizure disorders. But, they have a high potential for misuse and addiction.

Why do you gain weight with antidepressants and mood stabilizers?

Does Benzos cause water retention?

Other symptoms that come with benzo belly include problems with the gastrointestinal tract and constipation, plus there's a possibility that the condition creates abnormal retention of water, which may cause an associated weight gain.

Is benzo withdrawal permanent?

Protracted Withdrawal

In effect, the longer you take benzos the more your brain and body come to depend on them. When you stop taking the drug, it takes longer for your body to return to normal. For these reasons, protracted withdrawal symptoms can last up to 12 months or longer.

Is Magnesium Good for benzo withdrawal?

Magnesium aspartate decreases benzodiazepine addiction (lorazepam, alprazolam, or bromazepam) (Hantouche et al., 1998). The decrease in addiction intensity was manifested as prolonged delay in benzodiazepine reintake, reduction of withdrawal intensity, and reduction of anxiety during benzodiazepine discontinuation.

What does benzo withdrawal feel like?

Physiological dependence on benzodiazepines is accompanied by a withdrawal syndrome which is typically characterized by sleep disturbance, irritability, increased tension and anxiety, panic attacks, hand tremor, sweating, difficulty in concentration, dry wretching and nausea, some weight loss, palpitations, headache, ...

Can you take Klonopin for life?

Klonopin can be a short-term or long-term treatment. Keep in mind that the long-term effectiveness of Klonopin hasn't been studied for longer than 9 weeks. Because of this, it's important that you and your doctor discuss from time to time whether you need to continue Klonopin treatment.

Will Xanax make you gain weight?

Weight Fluctuations

Consistent Xanax abuse can cause both weight gain and weight loss. Sometimes, people who abuse Xanax reduce their energy output and sleep more, which can cause weight gain. Conversely, some people lose their appetite entirely. This can cause drastic weight loss instead.

Does anti anxiety meds make you gain weight?

Manage Side Effects. The majority of patients that take anti-anxiety medications will experience weight gain partially and fully due to side effects. An individual administering this medication could encounter constipation, bloating, fatigue, and as a result, weight gain.

Can diazepam make you gain weight?

Diazepam (Generic Valium)

It is used to treat anxiety. Diazepam may contribute to weight gain.

What are the long-term effects of taking benzodiazepines?

Mental and physical health. The long-term use of benzodiazepines may have a similar effect on the brain as alcohol, and is also implicated in depression, anxiety, post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), mania, psychosis, sleep disorders, sexual dysfunction, delirium, and neurocognitive disorders.

Can you take benzos for life?

Long-term use can be harmful.

But when used long-term, benzos can have adverse side effects, including impaired cognitive abilities, memory problems, and mood swings.

What should be avoided when taking benzodiazepines?

When benzodiazepines are combined with other sedatives, opiates or alcohol, the risk of serious side effects such as profound sedation, respiratory depression, coma, and death may occur.

Which Benzo is best for long term use?

With sustained levels of anxiety, long-acting benzodiazepines such as diazepam and clorazepate are usually preferred, while episodic anxiety normally responds best to shorter-acting drugs such as oxazepam or lorazepam.

How long does benzo flu last?

Acute withdrawal begins after the initial withdrawal symptoms, generally within a few days. Symptoms generally last 5–28 days , though some may last for several months.

How quickly does benzo tolerance develop?

Tolerance develops within days or weeks to the anticonvulsant, hypnotic, muscle relaxant and after 4 months there is little evidence that benzodiazepines retain their anxiolytic properties.

How much melatonin should I take for benzo withdrawal?

All attempts to stop benzodiazepine treatment resulted in withdrawal symptoms and a renewal of the insomnia. Treatment with 1 mg of controlled release melatonin enabled the patient to completely cease any benzodiazepine use within two days, with an improvement in sleep quality and no side effects.

Can magnesium make benzo withdrawal worse?

Some things help take the edge off but some drugs, vitamins, and supplements can make symptoms worse including: Vitamin D. Vitamin B. Magnesium.

Is GABA good for benzo withdrawal?

Recent studies show that high doses of niacin help accelerate benzo withdrawal. It is also recommended that the patient take GABA (gamma-aminobutyric acid) with vitamin C in addition to niacin.

Do Benzos damage your brain?

But when benzodiazepines are consumed for long periods of time, they can actually harm the brain. Taking benzodiazepines recreationally or in larger doses than prescribed can cause mental confusion, memory issues, permanent brain changes, and an increased risk of Alzheimer's disease and dementia.

Why does benzo withdrawal cause fatigue?

Therein, when it isn't, the Serotonin and Dopamine levels plummet, creating intense anxiety, depression and even suicidal thoughts or attempts. Anywhere from 2 months to multiple year use of these drugs can cause: Chronic fatigue.

What is rebound anxiety?

Rebound anxiety happens when you stop taking the medication and your symptoms return, often with greater intensity than before you started taking it. Often, this rebound mainly involves physical symptoms, but you could also notice increased feelings of worry, irritability, and fear.