Tag: Benzo withdrawal

Benzodiazepines are among the most prescribed medications, with prescriptions rising steadily [1.3.1]. A key question for many users is: **does benzos deplete dopamine?** The answer is more complex than a simple yes or no, involving indirect pathways and significant neurochemical changes.

While both affect the central nervous system, benzodiazepines and gabapentin are fundamentally different drugs, despite some people reporting overlapping effects. Approximately 69 million prescriptions for gabapentin were dispensed in 2019 in the U.S., reflecting its widespread use, including off-label for conditions like anxiety where comparisons to benzos are often made.

According to a survey published in *PLOS ONE*, over 57% of long-term benzodiazepine users reported memory loss lasting a year or longer, highlighting a significant and persistent cognitive issue. This raises serious questions about the potential for long-term benzo use to cause lasting memory impairment.

With half-lives often lasting over 24 hours, long-acting benzodiazepines are designed to provide sustained relief for conditions such as chronic anxiety, seizures, and alcohol withdrawal. A prime example of what drug is a long-acting benzodiazepine is diazepam, known by its brand name Valium, which can have an active duration extending up to 100 hours.