Volume : 13, Issue : 06, June – 2026

Title:

A COMPREHENSIVE REVIEW ON BENZODIAZEPINE DEPENDENCE: CLINICAL DEMOGRAPHICS, MOLECULAR NEUROBIOLOGY, AND CONTEMPORARY TAPERING STRATEGIES

Authors :

Aleena Anson, Anjana S, Jasna Mariyam T.N, Shifana.S , Mrs. Rajasree. S, Dr . T. Tamilselvan

Abstract :

Benzodiazepines (BZDs) continue to be one of the most commonly prescribed psychiatric drugs in the world for the treatment of acute seizures, anxiety, sleeplessness, and muscle spasms. However, tolerance, physiological dependence, and a severe withdrawal syndrome are common outcomes of long-term use. Recent clinical and molecular discoveries on BZD dependence are summarized in this study. Persistent GABA_A receptor activation causes intricate neuroadaptations at the molecular level, such as down-regulation of receptor subunits and modifications to intracellular signaling pathways such protein phosphatase 2A (PP2A). According to epidemiology, long-term usage is very common among vulnerable groups within the illegal substance use scene, older persons, people with chronic pain, and those receiving opioid agonist treatment (OAT) and susceptible groups within the scene of illegal substance use. Polypharmacy (particularly co-exposure with opioids and gabapentinoids) and the rise of unregulated, BZD-laced illicit substances greatly increase the risk of overdose and all-cause mortality. Innovative adjuvant therapies must be used in conjunction with structured, patient-centered slow tapering programs, which frequently make use of long-acting counterparts like diazepam. Repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation (rTMS), antiepileptic loading dosages, and newly developed targeted molecular treatments are some of these.
Keywords: Benzodiazepine Dependence, GABA_A Receptor Plasticity, Protein Phosphatase 2A (PP2A), Chronic Pain Catastrophizing, Slow Tapering Regimens, Repetitive Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation (rTMS).

Cite This Article:

Please cite this article in press Aleena Anson et al., A Comprehensive Review On Benzodiazepine Dependence: Clinical Demographics, Molecular Neurobiology, And Contemporary Tapering Strategies., Indo Am. J. P. Sci, 2026; 13(06).

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