glutathione

Hello,

Do clonazepam and zopiclone deplete glutathione and are there other nutrients these drugs deplete from our bodies?

Should we be restoring these depletions while we are taking these drugs and while we are tapering?

Thank you

In general I don't think benzos deplete glutathione in your entire body, especially because there are no benzo receptors in cells other than nerve cells, at least not the type affected by benzos. At the same time, some studies link their dependence-causing potential to oxidative stress in brain cells, which can deplete glutathione. That's why some people try to take N-Acetylcysteine, which is also an antioxidant similar to glutathione. However, studies have not confirmed the efficacy of N-Acetylcysteine in helping benzo withdrawal.

 

My short answer is that there's nothing you can do at this point to do anything about the oxidative stress caused by benzos in your brain other than tapering very slowly.

These drugs deplete glutathione, all B vitamins, minerals, vitamin C etc. Best thing is to get off the drugs.