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.
- Baclofen
- Barbiturates
- Carbamazepine
- Chloral hydrate
- Clonazepam
- Ethanol (alcohol)
- Gabapentin
- GHB (gamma-hydroxybutyric acid)
- Meprobamate
- Methaqualone
- Midazolam
- Muscimol
- Phenobarbital
- Pregabalin
- Propofol
- Secobarbital
- Sodium oxybate
- Tiagabine
- Topiramate
- Valproic acid
- Vigabatrin
- Zaleplon
- Zolpidem
- 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.)