YouTube short by Dr. Nicole Cain arguing that an under-discussed, primary side effect of benzodiazepines is neuroapoptosis ("kills brain cells"), which she links to depression, memory problems, brain fog and headaches. She recommends taking trophorestorative interventions—things that increase BDNF (brain-derived neurotrophic factor) and support neuroplasticity—naming exercise, sleep, curcumin, bacopa and herbs. Her top herbal recommendation is Avena sativa (milky oats), which she calls the "number one studied herb" for helping with benzodiazepine withdrawal; she also promotes a benzo tapering course for further guidance.
Chapters
This is the number one side effect from benzodiazepines that doctors are not talking about that they absolutely should be. And my guess, it's not what you think it is. Have you been given a benzodiazepine? Maybe you have a fear of flying or you do with a lot of anxiety. For me it was issues sleeping. I was told that benzodiazepines can be very habit forming, but what I wasn't told is that they're neuro apoptoic. What the heck does that mean? Neuro apoptoic is a word that basically means kills brain cells. This can cause all sorts of problems, this depression, memory issues, brain fog, headaches. So if you're taking a long term benzodiazepine, you need to be taking atrophorestorative. Yay. Another big word. A trophorestorative is something that has the potential to restore the health of the nervous system. These could be things that increase bdnf, which stands for brain derived neurotrophic factor. More bdnf, more neuroplasticity, sharper thinking, better mood and healing from benzo withdrawal and benzo tapering side effects. You can increase BDNF with exercise, good sleep, curcumin, bacopa, there's tons of stuff. There are also tons of really good trophorestorative herbs. Herbal medicine can be absolutely amazing for benzo tapering. My absolute favorite herb. Well, thank you for asking. Avena sativa or milky oats. It is the number one studied herb for helping with benzo withdrawal. It is anti anxiety and it heals the brain. Check out my benzo tapering course to learn more.