What interferes with neuroplasticity and neurogenesis?

From the Guidelines

Chemotherapy, certain medications, and chronic stress are among the factors that can interfere with neuroplasticity and neurogenesis, highlighting the need for careful management and consideration of these factors in clinical practice. Several factors can interfere with neuroplasticity and neurogenesis, which are crucial processes for brain health and function.

• Chemotherapy has been shown to disrupt the formation of hippocampal neurons from neural stem and progenitor cells, contributing to chemotherapy-induced cognitive impairment 1.
• Certain medications, such as selective estrogen receptor modulators, can impair cognition and disrupt neuroprotective effects of estrogen in the brain 1.
• Chronic stress is a primary disruptor, as elevated cortisol levels damage the hippocampus and reduce BDNF (brain-derived neurotrophic factor), a protein essential for neural growth.
• Inflammatory conditions and poor diet (especially those high in processed foods and sugar) create an unfavorable environment for neural growth.
• Physical inactivity reduces blood flow to the brain and decreases growth factors necessary for neurogenesis.
• Age-related factors naturally slow these processes, though they don't stop entirely. To support healthy neuroplasticity, it's advisable to manage stress, limit alcohol, prioritize sleep, exercise regularly, maintain a nutrient-rich diet, and engage in cognitive challenges that stimulate the brain. Additionally, medications like fluoxetine may have a positive effect on neurogenesis by stimulating hippocampal neurogenesis, increasing BDNF, and improving neuronal survival rates 1. However, more research is needed to fully understand the effects of these factors on neuroplasticity and neurogenesis, and to develop effective strategies for promoting healthy brain function.

From the FDA Drug Label

Tardive Dyskinesia As with all antipsychotic agents, haloperidol has been associated with persistent dyskinesias Tardive dyskinesia, a syndrome consisting of potentially irreversible, involuntary, dyskinetic movements, may appear in some patients on long-term therapy or may occur after drug therapy has been discontinued.

• Tardive dyskinesia and tardive dystonia are associated with long-term use of haloperidol, which may interfere with neuroplasticity and neurogenesis.
• The exact mechanisms are not explicitly stated in the label, but it is suggested that antipsychotic agents, including haloperidol, may be associated with these conditions 2.
• Neurotoxicity may also occur in patients with thyrotoxicosis who are receiving antipsychotic medication, including haloperidol 2.

From the Research

Factors Interfering with Neuroplasticity and Neurogenesis

• Benzodiazepines, such as diazepam and alprazolam, can interfere with neuroplasticity and neurogenesis, particularly with long-term use 3, 4, 5
• Selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) can also impact neuroplasticity, although they may also have a positive effect on neurogenesis in certain contexts 6, 7, 5
• Other factors that may interfere with neuroplasticity and neurogenesis include:
  • Drug interactions between CNS drugs, such as SSRIs and benzodiazepines 7
  • Imbalanced serotonin levels and receptor activity 6
  • Dysfunctional developmental plasticity 6

Specific Drugs and Their Effects

• Benzodiazepines:
  • Diazepam: can interfere with neuroplasticity and neurogenesis, particularly with long-term use 3, 4, 5
  • Alprazolam: can interfere with neuroplasticity and neurogenesis, particularly with long-term use 3, 4, 5
• SSRIs:
  • Paroxetine: may have a positive effect on neurogenesis, but can also interact with other CNS drugs 6, 7, 5
  • Fluoxetine: may have a positive effect on neurogenesis, but can also interact with other CNS drugs 6, 7, 5
• Other drugs:
  • Olanzapine: a thienobenzodiazepine with multiple receptor activity, may have an impact on neuroplasticity and neurogenesis 4