Benzodiazepines and Anxiety Treatment

Study Notes

Benzodiazepines

First-line treatment for acute and chronic anxiety disorders.
Most widely prescribed class of anxiolytic drugs, offering various therapeutic effects.
Used for additional conditions: ethanol withdrawal, insomnia, muscle spasms, seizure disorders, and adjunct therapy in anesthesia.
Commonly prescribed in conjunction with depression treatment due to overlapping symptoms.
Contraindications: known drug allergy, narrow-angle glaucoma (risk of mydriasis), and pregnancy (potential teratogenic effects).

Mechanism of Action

Anxiolytic drugs reduce anxiety by decreasing overactivity in the central nervous system (CNS).
Benzodiazepines target the brainstem and limbic system to exert their calming effects.
These drugs enhance the action of gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA), an inhibitory neurotransmitter that blocks nerve transmission in the CNS.

Buspirone

A miscellaneous anxiolytic with a unique classification distinct from benzodiazepines.

Adverse Effects

Common side effects include excessive CNS depression and potential hypotension.
Notable paradoxical reactions: rare instances of hyperactivity and aggressive behavior, particularly in children, adolescents, and the elderly with dementia.
Rebound disinhibition can occur in the elderly after tapering doses, leading to initial sedation followed by agitation and confusion.
All benzodiazepines are habit-forming and classified as Schedule IV controlled substances.
Requires careful dosage management to minimize dependency and maximize symptom relief.

Description

This quiz covers the critical role of benzodiazepines in treating anxiety disorders and related conditions. It explores their mechanism of action, therapeutic uses, and contraindications, including comparisons with other anxiolytics like buspirone. Test your knowledge on this essential pharmacological class.