10 Questions
What is the primary reason benzodiazepines have largely replaced barbiturates and meprobamate in the treatment of anxiety and insomnia?
They are safer and more effective.
Which neurotransmitter's receptors are the target of benzodiazepine actions?
GABA
Which subunits make up the GABA receptors targeted by benzodiazepines?
α, β, γ
What is the effect of the influx of chloride ions through the GABA receptor channel?
Hyperpolarization of the neuron
Which of the following is NOT mentioned as a preferable alternative to benzodiazepines for insomnia?
Melatonin
How does the binding of GABA to its receptor affect the ion channel?
It causes the ion channel to open.
How many subtypes of the α subunit in GABA receptors exist?
Six
What is the role of chloride ions in the mechanism of action of benzodiazepines?
Chloride ions inhibit action potential formation.
Which class of drugs is mentioned as having anxiolytic action and is preferred over benzodiazepines in many cases?
Selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors
Which neurotransmitter is identified as the major inhibitory neurotransmitter in the central nervous system?
GABA
Study Notes
Benzodiazepines
- Benzodiazepines are widely used anxiolytic drugs to treat anxiety and insomnia.
- They are generally considered safer and more effective than barbiturates and meprobamate.
Mechanism of Action
- Benzodiazepines target the GABA (gamma-aminobutyric acid) receptors.
- GABA is the major inhibitory neurotransmitter in the central nervous system (CNS).
- GABA receptors are composed of a combination of five α, β, and γ subunits that span the postsynaptic membrane.
- Each subunit has many subtypes, e.g., six subtypes of the α subunit.
- Binding of GABA to its receptor triggers an opening of the central ion channel, allowing chloride through the pore.
- The influx of chloride ions causes hyperpolarization of the neuron and decreases neurotransmission by inhibiting the formation of action potentials.
Clinical Use
- Benzodiazepines are not necessarily the best choice for anxiety or insomnia.
- Certain antidepressants with anxiolytic action, such as selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors, are preferred in many cases.
- Non-benzodiazepine hypnotics and antihistamines may be preferable for insomnia.
Learn about the use of benzodiazepines as anxiolytic drugs, their effectiveness, and alternative treatments for anxiety and insomnia.
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