Anxiolytic

Question 1

Benzodiazepines

Answer 1

Diazepam (Valium)
Lorazepam
Tamazepam

Benzodiazepines increase the effects of the inhibitory neurotransmitter GABA, which allows more Cl- ions to enter neuron leading to enhanced CNS depressant effects.

Anxiety Disorders
Sleep Disorders
Alcohol withdrawal
Muscle spasticity
Epilepsy

-Drowsiness
- Dizziness
- Psychomotor impairment
-Physical and psychological dependance
* Relatively safe in overdose,
however extremely dangerous
when consumed with alcohol
** Benzodiazepine withdrawal syndrome – can include many symptoms including: Tremor, sleep disturbances, muscle pains, headache, nausea, sweating, fatigue and, in severe but rare cases, seizures, psychosis, depression. To avoid this, must gradually decrease dose over 4-16 wks. 1/3 of people relapse but eventually succed withdrawal. 1/3 relapse indefinitely.

Question 2

Beta-Adrenoceptor Antagonists (Beta-Blockers)

Answer 2

Propranolol
Atenolol

Reduce physiological symptoms of anxiety

Situational anxiety
Generalized Anxiety Disorder

• Light-headedness
• Drowsiness
• Bradycardia

Question 3

Serotonin-1A Partial Agonist

Answer 3

Buspirone

Functions as a serotonin 5-HT-1A
receptor partial agonist, which is thought to mediate its anxiolytic and antidepressant effects.

• Generalized Anxiety Disorder
• OCD
• Social phobias
• Nausea
• Dizziness
• Headache

Question 4

GABA - BDZ Receptors

‘Z drugs’

Answer 4

Zopiclone
Zolpidem
Zaleplon

Zopiclone - act at the benzodiazepine binding site on α1, α2, α3 and α5 GABA containing receptors as full agonists causing an enhancement of the actions of GABA to produce the therapeutic and adverse effects of zopiclone.

Insomnia (Anxiety where the primary issue is getting to sleep)

• Drowsiness
• Dizziness
• Headache