Posted by brynb on August 22, 2012, at 19:34:11
In reply to Can someone explain this in lay terms?, posted by gadchik on August 22, 2012, at 15:57:29
Hi Gadchik,
Science and neuroscience are definitely NOT my forte, but I thought I'd chime in.
My understanding is that benzos, other hypnotics, barbiturates and alcohol (and I'm sure some other drugs) bind directly to GABA, and in doing so (I believe) they inhibit or block other neurotransmitters which cause imbalances or anxiety.
Essentially, by binding to the GABA site, benzos prevent anxiety by blocking other "stuff" out (quite scientific sounding, I know, lol). When you hit GABA directly, you feel the anxiolytic effects, which is probably why so many people become dependent on and addicted to downers. Anything that binds to GABA directly like that is effective and potentially addictive.
It's also my understanding that benzos are more subtle in this process than barbs. Barbs are more powerful (or even "cleaner") in the way they work on GABA, but also much more toxic in large amounts, which is pretty much why benzos were created (they're safer). On a daily basis, your benzo is keeping activity low around the GABA site, and reducing your anxiety. After awhile, though (like so many other meds!) you build up a tolerance to them and need to take larger doses.
Did that make sense? Someone correct me if I'm wrong!
-b
poster:brynb
thread:1023940
URL: http://www.dr-bob.org/babble/20120818/msgs/1023965.html