Benzodiazepine immune system effects

Knowledge of the interaction of benzodiazepines and the immune system is much less advanced compared to our understanding of interactions between opioid systems and the immune system. It is clear that the benzodiazepines have strong anti-anxiety effects and that through these actions they reduce the response to stressful situations (Zavala, 1997). This, in turn, will reduce stress-induced activation of the HPA axis and so reduce its regulatory effects on the immune system. These effects are centrally mediated, however, and can be considered indirect effects. 

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