Is there a way to curb benzodiazepine addiction

摘要: Benzodiazepines are widely prescribed drugs used to treat anxiety and insomnia, induce muscle relaxation, control epileptic seizures, promote anaesthesia or produce amnesia. also abused for recreational purposes the number of benzodiazepine abusers is unfortunately increasing. Within weeks chronic use, tolerance pharmacological effects can develop withdrawal becomes apparent once drug no longer available, which both conditions indicative dependence. Diagnosis addiction (i.e. compulsive use despite negative consequences) may follow in vulnerable individuals. Here, we review historical current benzodiazepines from their original synthesis, discovery commercialisation recent identification molecular mechanism by addiction. These results have identified mechanisms underlying activation midbrain dopamine neurons benzodiazepines, how these hijack mesocorticolimbic reward system. Such knowledge calls future developments new receptor subtype specific with a reduced liability.