Anxiolytics

Question 1

Neurotransmitters involved in anxiety disorders

Answer 1

GABA and glutamate

Question 2

Deficient GABA causes

Answer 2

anxiety
insomnia

Question 3

Excess GABA causes

Answer 3

Hypersomnia (inability to stay awake and alert during the day)
Vivid dreams
SOB
confusion

Question 4

Excess glutamate causes

Answer 4

seizures

Question 5

deficient glutamate causes

Answer 5

confusion

Question 6

anxiolytics or anti anxiety meds

Answer 6

Benzodiazepines:

Lorazepam
Diazepam
Clonazepam
Tremazepam

Midazolam
Triazolam

Zopiclone (not benzodiazepine but same effects)

Question 7

Pharmacodynamics of benzodiazepines

Answer 7

act as GABA agonists (enhancing effects of GABA) causing hyperpolarisation and decrease cell excitation

GABA- inhibitory neurotransmitter which slows/calms down brain nerves activity

Question 8

Adverse effects of benzodiazepines

Answer 8

Addictive
Fatal if combined with alcohol (risk of falls and accidents)

Muscle weakness
dizziness
sedation and sleep automation
decreased cognition and high risk of Alzheimer’s disease

Question 9

How to treat benzodiazepine overdose

Answer 9

Flumazenil (high affinity benzodiazepine antagonist) - may cause seizures and anxiety