Long-Term Benzodiazepine (Xanax, Klonopin, Ativan) Use Destroys Neural Connections in the Brain

https://scitechdaily.com ^ | MARCH 27, 2022 | By LUDWIG MAXIMILIAN UNIVERSITY OF MUNICH

[Red Badger]

Neuron With Extensions and Microglia Cells Neuron with extensions (blue) and microglia cells (red) interacting with synapses. Credit: Y. Shi and M. Cui

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Long-Term Benzodiazepine Use Attacks Synapses LMU scientists have discovered the means by which the long-term taking of benzodiazepines leads to cognitive impairments.

Benzodiazepines are effective and widely used drugs for treating states of anxiety and sleep disorders. While short-term treatments are considered safe, their long-term intake can lead to physical dependence and, particularly in the case of older people, to cognitive impairments. The mechanisms by which benzodiazepines trigger these changes had previously been unknown. Researchers led by Prof. Jochen Herms and Dr. Mario Dorostkar from LMU’s Center for Neuropathology and Prion Research and the German Center for Neurodegenerative Diseases (DZNE) have now been able to demonstrate in an animal model that the active ingredient leads to the loss of neural connections in the brain.

Common Benzodiazepines

Xanax (alprazolam)

Klonopin (clonazepam}

Ativan (lorazepam)

Valium (diazepam)

Librium (chlordiazepoxide)

Restoril (temazepam)

A key role is played by immune cells of the brain known as microglia. Benzodiazepines bind to a specific protein, the translocator protein (TSPO), on the surface of cell organelles of the microglia. This binding activates the microglia, which then degrade and recycle synapses — that is, the connections between nerve cells. Experiments carried out by the scientists showed that the synapse loss in mice that had received a daily sleep-inducing dose of the benzodiazepine diazepam for several weeks led to cognitive impairments.

“It was known that microglia play an important role in eliminating synapses both during brain development and in neurodegenerative diseases,” said Dr. Yuan Shi and Mochen Cui, co-authors of the study. “But what really surprised us was that such well-researched drugs as benzodiazepines influence this process.” When diazepam treatment was discontinued, the effect persisted for some time, but was ultimately reversible.

In the opinion of the researchers, the study could have effects on how sleep disorders and anxiety are treated in people at risk of dementia. “Drugs that are known to have no binding affinity to TSPO should be preferred where possible,” say the authors.

Reference: “Long-term diazepam treatment enhances microglial spine engulfment and impairs cognitive performance via the mitochondrial 18 kDa translocator protein (TSPO)” by Yuan Shi, Mochen Cui, Katharina Ochs, Matthias Brendel, Felix L. Strübing, Nils Briel, Florian Eckenweber, Chengyu Zou, Richard B. Banati, Guo-Jun Liu, Ryan J. Middleton, Rainer Rupprecht, Uwe Rudolph, Hanns Ulrich Zeilhofer, Gerhard Rammes, Jochen Herms and Mario M. Dorostkar, 28 February 2022, Nature Neuroscience. DOI: 10.1038/s41593-022-01013-9

[sanjuanbob]

I thought you were going to end your sentence with “especially AFTER golfing”.

In all seriousness, I hope you’re feeling better.

[AmericanMermaid]

I occasionally need Lorazepam, which is the generic for Ativan, but need it less often since taking up the guitar and the ukelele.

[Chickensoup]

Xanax is the nastiest benzo to detox from.

Some psychological resort to using files. First Day one swipe second day two swipes.

[jmacusa]

Playing my drums helps me a lot. Gives me something to ‘’beat’’ the blues or anxiety.

[jmacusa]

I don’t doubt it but in four years I’ve taken it as directed, I have a great doctor and I don’t look at Xanax as something to get me ‘’high’’.

For me it’s what insulin is to a diabetic.

[wardaddy]

One point five is not a small amount

It’s an average dose

Maybe slightly high

Klonopin comes in point five up to two milligram

I’ve taken 20 miligrams for sport

It’s non lethal unless mixed with booze or maybe some other serious drug

Xanax is the most abused and quickest half life ......

Xanax for me is great anxiety reducer

But then I fall asleep

[absalom01]

Jordan Peterson’s experience with Benzo’s certainly rocketed the potential dangers of these drugs into public consciousness.

Not something to take lightly, that’s for sure.

[steve86]

“Was on Effexor some years ago. Noticed if I missed a dose...would go into withdrawal.”

That must have been immediate-release Effexor. I don’t know if they even stock that anymore. Now you likely would be prescribed eXtended Release. With XR you shouldn’t feel discontinuation symptoms until about the third day without. Still needs to be tapered to discontinue but a successful cessation is easily doable unlike the old form.

[RushIsMyTeddyBear]

Thanks for the info.

Yeah...it was a few years back.

[AmericanMermaid]

Yes, jmacusa! I believe that, with your drums. It was something I hadn’t expected, but learning and playing a music instrument is so meditative that it seems to naturally keep anxiety at bay. Something else to love about creating music!