Anxiety and Benzodiazepines

Question 1

How to treat acute Anxiety

Answer 1

Benzodiazepines

Question 2

How to treat chronic Anxiety

Answer 2

• SSRI
• Propranolol
  (only use propranolol when it becomes physical)

Question 3

What can Benzodiazepines induce if patients are already hepatically impaired

Answer 3

Hepatic Coma

(treat with lactulose)

Question 4

Examples of Long acting Benzodiazepines

Answer 4

• Diazepam
• Clobazam
• Alprzolam

Question 5

Examples of Short acting Benzodiazepines

Answer 5

• Lorazapam
• Oxazepam
• Midazolam

Question 6

When are Short acting Benzodiazepines preferred over Long acting

Answer 6

• hepatic impairment
• elderly

Question 7

Which type of Benzodiazepine carries a greater risk of withdrawal symptoms and what is the maximum amount of time someone use them

Answer 7

• Short acting
• Should only be used maximum between 2 to 4 weeks

Question 8

Side effects of Benzodiazepines

Answer 8

• Paradoxical Side effects
• Sedation

Question 9

Examples of

Question 10

Which medication, when taken with Benzodiazepines increase sedation

Answer 10

• Alcohol
• CNS depressants
• CYP Inhibitors

Question 11

Which Benzodiazepines have a driving limit

Answer 11

COLD fT

C clonazepam
O oxazepam
L lorazepam
D diazepam

f
T temazepam

Question 11

How to treat benzodiazepines
overdose

Answer 11

Flumazenil

Question 12

How to withdraw benzodiazepines safely

Answer 12

1. Convert dose to Diazepam and take once at night
2. reduce by 1-2mg every 2 to 4 weeks
3. reduce by 0.5mg at the end

Question 13

What are benzodiazepines withdrawal symptoms

Answer 13

• anxiety
• weight loss
• sweating
• tremor
• loss of appetite