SUBSTANCES to AVOID

[cyberelijah]

Substances to Avoid
During Benzodiazepine Withdrawal (BIND) and Recovery
 

The following is a list of GABAergic drugs, herbs, and supplements that may interfere with GABA receptors during benzodiazepine withdrawal (BIND) or while tapering off benzodiazepines. These substances may hinder recovery, and caution is advised even after healing:

GABAergic Substances to Avoid:

• Oregano Oil
• Anticonvulsants (e.g., Gabapentin)
• Low-Dose Naltrexone (LDN)
• Quinine
• Phenibut (found in Kavinace and other supplements)
• Lidocaine
• Baclofen
• Penicillin
• Fluoroquinolone Antibiotics
• Ashwagandha
• Exhilarin
• Picamilon
• Alcohol
• Valerian
• Passionflower
• Lemon Balm
• Scullcap
• Kava
• Chamomile
• Progesterone and/or Estrogen
   

GABAergic Herbs and Supplements:

These herbs and supplements can cross the blood-brain barrier and affect GABA-A receptors, potentially interfering with benzodiazepine withdrawal and recovery. The starred (**) ones are particularly potent in their interaction with GABA-A receptors, similarly to benzodiazepines:
 

• Scute (Skullcap, both American and Chinese) **
• Salvia **
• Asaram **
• Acorus **
• Zizyphus **
• Valerian (binds like benzodiazepines) **
• Passion Flower **
• Kava **
• L-Theanine **
• GABA supplements
• Polygala
• Pueraria
• Magnolia
• White Peony
• Schisandra
• Ganoderma (Reishi mushroom)
• Dioscorea (Wild Yam)
• Poria (Hoelen)
• Corydalis
   

Other Substances with Interaction Potential:

These substances may interact with benzodiazepines or worsen withdrawal symptoms, particularly for those with a benzodiazepine-sensitized central nervous system. Caution is recommended:
 

• Marijuana (CBD, THC, in all forms—edibles, oils, smoking, etc.)
• Opiates
• Other Antibiotics
• Other Hormones (e.g., Testosterone)
• Any Psychiatric Drug (even in “low doses”; includes SSRIs, SNRIs, antidepressants, stimulants, antipsychotics, mood stabilizers, anti-anxiety agents, etc.)
• Epinephrine (e.g., lidocaine with epinephrine for dental procedures)
• Over-the-Counter Decongestant Nasal Sprays
• Oral Decongestants (e.g., Sudafed) and other OTC medications like antihistamines
• Corticosteroids (oral, topical, nasal, etc.)
• Caffeine
• MSG and other preservatives, food dyes, etc. (MSG may have neurotoxic effects)
  
   

This list includes common substances that could potentially interact or worsen withdrawal symptoms. It’s crucial to consult a healthcare provider before using any of these products during the withdrawal process.