How do Benzodiazepines and Z-Drugs Work?

Gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA) is the major inhibitory neurochemical of the central nervous system and acts by binding to a GABA receptor on a neuron. In general, benzos and Z-drugs bind to a specific site on the GABA receptor and modulate the receptor such that GABA also attached to the receptor has an increased effect calming the central nervous system. A drug’s neuropharmacology refers to how a drug works, and is also sometimes known as the mechanism of action. While much is known about how these drugs work, much less is known about why they often cause physiological dependence and can result in a difficult withdrawal and recovery period. An in-depth discussion of the neuropharmacology of benzodiazepines can be found here.