A new study challenges existing theories about how benzodiazepines, such as valium, work to calm nerves. Researchers report a 'sticky' gene called Shisa7 plays a critical role in the regulation of inhibitory neural circuits, and the sedative effects benzodiazepines have on circuit activity.
Researchers from EPFL have uncovered how diazepam, a common anxiolytic, can increase mitochondrial activity in neural pathways associated with motivation.
A new study reports benzodiazepines such as Valium and Xanax significantly increase the risk for developing dementia in elderly people who have taken the medications for three months or more.