anxiety treatment

Question 1

what do benzodiazepines do

Answer 1

enhance the effect of GABA
-agonists at the benzodiazepine site produce relaxation and anticonvulsant effects, antagonists cause anxiety and are pro-convulsant

Question 2

what are the problems with benzodiazepines

Answer 2

if used over two weeks:
-sedation and psychomotor impairment
-discontinuation/withdrawal problems
-dependency and abuse
-alcohol iinteraction
-can worsen co-morbid depression