How chronic administration of benzodiazepines leads to unexplained chronic illnesses: A hypothesis, 2018, LaCorte

Andy

Andy

Retired committee member
Abstract
It is thought that an ill defined biochemical cascade may lead to protracted withdrawal symptoms subsequent to discontinuance of routine use of benzodiazepine class drugs and establish chronic illness in some patients. In this review, published findings are presented that support the novel concept that withdrawal from benzodiazepine class drugs can trigger elevated and sustained levels of a potent oxidant called peroxynitrite via potentiation of the L-type voltage-gated calcium channels, and in the later stages of withdrawal, via excessive N-methyl-D-aspartate receptor activity, as well. Potentiation of L-type voltage-gated calcium channels and excessive N-methyl-D-aspartate receptor activity both result in calcium influx into the cell that triggers nitric oxide synthesis. In pathophysiological conditions, such increased nitric oxide synthesis leads to peroxynitrite formation.

The downstream effects of peroxynitrite formation that may occur during withdrawal ultimately lead to further peroxynitrite production in a system of overlapping vicious cycles collectively referred to as the NO/ONOO(−) cycle. Once triggered, the elements of the NO/ONOO(−) cycle perpetuate pathophysiology, perhaps including reduced GABAA receptor functioning, that may explain protracted withdrawal associated symptoms while the vicious cycle nature of the NO/ONOO(−) cycle may explain how withdrawal becomes a chronic state.

Suboptimal levels of tetrahydrobiopterin may be one risk factor for the development of the protracted withdrawal syndrome as this will lead to partial nitric oxide uncoupling and resultant peroxynitrite formation. Nitric oxide uncoupling results in superoxide production as calcium-dependent nitric oxide synthases attempt to produce nitric oxide in response to L-type voltage-gated calcium channel-mediated calcium influx that is known to occur during withdrawal. The combination of nitric oxide and superoxide produced, as when partial uncoupling occurs, react together in a very rapid, diffusion limited reaction to form peroxynitrite and thereby trigger the NO/ONOO(−) cycle.

The NO/ONOO(−) cycle may explain the nature of the protracted withdrawal syndrome and the related constellation of symptoms that are also common in other illnesses characterized as NO/ONOO(−) disorders such as myalgic encephalomyelitis/chronic fatigue syndrome and fibromyalgia.
Click to expand...
Paywalled at https://www.medical-hypotheses.com/article/S0306-9877(18)30364-5/fulltext
 
The NO/ONOO(−) cycle may explain the nature of the protracted withdrawal syndrome and the related constellation of symptoms that are also common in other illnesses characterized as NO/ONOO(−) disorders such as myalgic encephalomyelitis/chronic fatigue syndrome and fibromyalgia.
Click to expand...

I'm sure there was some internet commenter who used to talk a lot about 'the NO/ONOO(−) cycle' being important in ME/CFS, but it was never clear if they really had any evidence to support this, and it's not a claim I normally see in papers.

Pretty sure I've been free of benzodiazepines anyway!
 
Esther12 said:
I'm sure there was some internet commenter who used to talk a lot about 'the NO/ONOO(−) cycle' being important in ME/CFS, but it was never clear if they really had any evidence to support this, and it's not a claim I normally see in papers.

Pretty sure I've been free of benzodiazepines anyway!
Click to expand...

Maes/Morris, wasn't it? [Edit: Nope, sorry -- Dr Pall.]

Ditto. Never taken 'em in my life.
 
ivorin said:
Well this certainly makes me feel a bit worried. Been taking them for 18 months now, they are the only thing helping me since my illness got severe. Guess it can always get more severe. FML
Click to expand...

I wouldn't worry about it just on the basis of this paper (although all drugs can have side-effects it's worth being aware of).
 
Last edited:
I was just about to start taking clonazapem again because it is the only drug I have found helpful throughout my time with illness. In searching for a possible reason I discovered that GABA downregulates T cells which I thought was very interesting given the Mark Davis research into clonal T cell expansion.
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top Bottom