What is the Science Behind Benzos Causing Severe Depression?

I understand that benzos down regulate GABA receptors and make it so the brain can't handle the glutamate that it once could. How does this make a person depressed? How does this effect other neurotransmitters in the brain?

Klonopin affects serotonin receptors so that could be a reason.

I hope this answer helps.

 

There is a growing body of evidence that has implicated the glutamatergic system in the pathogenesis of depression. The benzo's we took suppress glutamate by increasing GABA availability (really short version of psychopharmacology). Changes in glutamate levels have been noted in plasma serum cerebrospinal fluid and brain tissue of individuals with mood and psychotic disorders, as well as in suicide victims. Studies have reported that serum levels of glutamate in depressed patients were significantly higher than in healthy controls.

 

Essentially, when stopping a BZO, we remove the brakes from the car and the accelerator (glutamate) takes over.