Long-term use of alprazolam causes cognitive and physiological side effects
Extensive clinical literature supports the conclusion that long-term use of alprazolam and other benzodiazepines leads to adverse cognitive and physiological effects, including cognitive decline, physical dependence, and protracted withdrawal symptoms.
The retrieved papers consistently report that long-term benzodiazepine use results in cognitive impairment, physical dependence, tolerance, and physiological withdrawal symptoms. There are no papers contradicting this well-established pharmacological fact.
Shade KN, Ritvo AD, Silvernail B, Finlayson AJR, Bressi JE, Foster DE, Martin IJ, Piper C, Martin PR. Long-term neurological consequences following benzodiazepine exposure: A scoping review.. 2025. https://doi.org/10.1371/journal.pone.0330277
Paper [0] highlights that long-term benzodiazepine use can cause protracted neurological and withdrawal symptoms persisting for months or years.
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Figg JW, Love CA, Sorathia V, Engelbart M, Turner A, Elton A. Benzodiazepines at the crossroads: navigating therapeutic promise and perils of misuse.. 2026. https://doi.org/10.1186/s12991-025-00627-0
Paper [1] notes that chronic use of benzodiazepines carries significant risks including cognitive decline, fall-related injuries, and physiological dependence.
Navarrete F, Marín-Mayor M, Martínez-Hostyn L, Rubio G, Manzanares J. Benzodiazepine Dependence: Clinical and Molecular Aspects, Preventive Strategies and Therapeutic Approaches.. 2026. https://doi.org/10.3390/ijms27031430
Paper [3] indicates that prolonged administration of benzodiazepines poses a risk for adverse cognitive and motor impairments alongside physical dependence and tolerance.
Piot A, Jovanovic JN. Synaptic correlates of benzodiazepine tolerance.. 2026. https://doi.org/10.1038/s41380-026-03512-8
Paper [4] outlines how chronic benzodiazepine exposure leads to neuroadaptations and reorganization of brain circuits underlying tolerance and withdrawal.
Brandt J, Lamberson N, Bressi J, Ritvo A, Curle J, Witt-Doerring J, DeWert M, Wright S, Horowitz M. Benzodiazepine receptor agonist deprescribing principles for long-term use and dependence: modified Delphi recommendations from a multi-disciplinary expert panel.. 2026. https://doi.org/10.1177/20451253261457547
Paper [8] addresses the need for structured tapering guidelines due to the well-established hazards and dependence risks associated with long-term benzodiazepine receptor agonist use.
Samardžić J, Tandon N, Branković M. Rational Use of Benzodiazepines in Modern Healthcare: Evidence-Based Strategies.. 2026. https://doi.org/10.3390/healthcare14101392
Paper [11] emphasizes that long-term benzodiazepine use is discouraged, especially due to risks of cognitive impairment, dependence, and withdrawal.
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