GABAergic medications

 

GABAergic refers to the neurotransmitter system in the brain that utilizes the neurotransmitter gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA). GABA is the primary inhibitory neurotransmitter in the central nervous system and plays a critical role in regulating neuronal activity and maintaining the balance between excitation and inhibition in the brain.

GABAergic neurotransmission is involved in a wide range of physiological and cognitive functions, including sleep, anxiety, mood, motor control, and cognitive processing.

Dysregulation of the GABAergic system due to the neuroadaptation caused by a benzodiazepine is thought to be the main cause of benzodiazepine withdrawal and BIND symptoms.

The common thought in the benzo community is to avoid taking a GABAergic medication while in benzo withdrawal or BIND.

Some medications, such as propofol, can be used when needed for anesthesia as it is thought to be better tolerated than other medications.

  1. Baclofen
  2. Barbiturates
  3. Carbamazepine
  4. Chloral hydrate
  5. Clonazepam
  6. Ethanol (alcohol)
  7. Gabapentin
  8. GHB (gamma-hydroxybutyric acid)
  9. Meprobamate
  10. Methaqualone
  11. Midazolam
  12. Muscimol
  13. Phenobarbital
  14. Pregabalin
  15. Propofol
  16. Secobarbital
  17. Sodium oxybate
  18. Tiagabine
  19. Topiramate
  20. Valproic acid
  21. Vigabatrin
  22. Zaleplon
  23. Zolpidem
  24. Zopiclone

This is not an exhaustive list. 

Other medications that can cause a worsening of symptoms are:

1. Epinephrine found in local anesthetics

2. Ibuprofen (Aleve, Motrion, etc.)