Long-term benzodiazepine use: tolerance and withdrawal
Tolerance and Physical Dependence after Chronic Benzodiazepine Treatment
This project looks at how long-term benzodiazepine use can cause tolerance and physical withdrawal by focusing on different GABAA receptor types.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of Mississippi Med Ctr NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Jackson, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-11285161 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
From a patient's view, researchers are studying why people can develop tolerance and withdrawal after taking benzodiazepines for a long time. They focus on specific GABAA receptor subtypes (α1, α2, α3, α5) that help regulate the drugs' effects. Using laboratory models and pharmacological and genetic tools, the team compares responses after short-term versus chronic benzodiazepine exposure. Their experiments include behavioral and physiological measures to link receptor activity with tolerance and dependence.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: People who currently take benzodiazepines regularly or who have experienced tolerance or withdrawal from these drugs are the most relevant patient group.
Not a fit: People not using benzodiazepines or whose symptoms are caused by unrelated conditions are unlikely to benefit directly from this research in the near term.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this work could point to ways to reduce tolerance and withdrawal or guide development of safer benzodiazepine-like medicines.
How similar studies have performed: Previous animal studies have shown roles for α1 and other GABAA subtypes in tolerance and dependence, but translating these findings into safer treatments for people remains unproven.
Where this research is happening
Jackson, United States
- University of Mississippi Med Ctr — Jackson, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Rowlett, James K — University of Mississippi Med Ctr
- Study coordinator: Rowlett, James K
About this research
- This is an active NIH-funded research project — typically early-stage science, not a clinical trial accepting patient enrollment.
- Some NIH-funded labs run parallel clinical studies or seek volunteers for related work. To check, contact the principal investigator or institution listed above.
- For full project details, budget, and progress reports, visit the official NIH RePORTER page below.