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BENZODIAZEPINES OVERVIEW
Benzodiazepines Effects on the Brain
• Benzodiazepines bind to specific receptors in the brain, known
as benzodiazepine receptors. These receptors slow down the
activity of the brain which can reduce anxiety, help people
sleep, and prevent seizures.
• When benzodiazepines are regularly used, the brain adjusts by
reducing the number and activity of benzodiazepine receptors.
As a result, you develop tolerance. This means the same dose
of the medication is no longer as effective.
• The changes in the brain that lead to tolerance can also cause
physical dependence. Because the activity of those receptors is
turned down you may experience withdrawal symptoms when
you stop or quickly reduce the dose of your benzodiazepines.
Withdrawal symptoms can include anxiety, insomnia, seizures,
and others (see Figure 2).
• Withdrawal symptoms may overlap with the symptoms the
benzodiazepine was treating (e.g., anxiety, insomnia. See
Figure 2). Your healthcare provider will work with you to
determine if your symptoms are caused by withdrawal or
another health condition.
• Slowly tapering the medication gives your brain time to
adjust. As you slowly reduce the dose of benzodiazepines the
benzodiazepine receptors begin to return to normal.
