Longterm Effects of Benzos on the Brain

Longterm Effects of Benzos on the Brain

From Side Effects with Dr. Josef by Josef Witt-Doerring

June 3, 2026 · 13 min · Episode 174

About this episode

The episode discusses the long-term effects of benzodiazepines on the brain, including memory and cognition.

Click here if you need help quitting psychiatric medications: http://membership.taperclinic.com/signup/?utm_source=podcast Benzodiazepines like Xanax, Valium, and Klonopin are among the most commonly prescribed medications for anxiety and insomnia but what happens to your brain when they're used over months or years? In this video, we break down what current research says about the long-term effects of benzos on memory, cognition, and the brain's GABA system, plus what's known about tolerance, dependence, and recovery after stopping. Whether you're taking them, considering them, or just curious, here's what the science shows. Get our free tapering course: https://taperclinic.com/free-guide/ Join +6000 people learning how to taper on our newsletter: https://membership.taperclinic.com/newsletter CONNECT WITH ME:- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/drjosefwittdoerring/ - TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@drjosefwittdoerring - X/Twitter: https://x.com/DrJosefWD - Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/drjosefwittdoerring/ - Website: https://taperclinic.com/ DISCLAIMER: All the information on this channel is for educational and/or entertainment purposes and not intended to be…

People in this episode

Host: Josef Witt-Doerring

Topics covered

  • benzodiazepines
  • long-term effects
  • memory
  • cognition
  • GABA system
  • tolerance
  • dependence

Keywords

  • benzodiazepines
  • anxiety
  • insomnia
  • tapering
  • GABA
  • dependence
  • recovery

Mentioned in this episode

Organizations: Taper Clinic

Products: Xanax, Valium, Klonopin

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