Anxiolytics

Question 1

Psychological symptoms of anxiety

Answer 1

Negative emotions (nervousness, worry, unease)
Arousal of CNS
Lack of concentration
Insomnia

Question 2

Physical symptoms of anxiety

Answer 2

Tachycardia
SOB
Nausea
Gastric acid hypersecretion
Trembling

Question 3

List benzodiazapenes and what they are used for

Answer 3

anxiolytics / sedatives: eg, lorazepam.
hypnotics: eg, triazolam, temazepam.
pre-anaesthetics: eg, midazolam.

Diazepam all of the above, and may also have anti-convulsant effects

Question 4

Non benzodiazapines for anxiety

Answer 4

Barbiturates (eg. phenobarbitol)
Buspirone
Zolpidem
Propanolol (performance anxiety)
Gabapentinoids
Hydroxyzine (first gen antihistamine)
Other antidepressants

Question 5

Benzodiazapines MOA

Answer 5

Potentiate GABA actions by increasing frequency of GABA induced channel opening. GABA is inhibitory, reducing action in limbic system (mood), reticular activating system (drowsiness), motor cortex

Question 6

Duration of action of benzodiazepines

Answer 6

Short acting
- Midalozam
- Triazolam

Intermediate
- Lorazepam
- Termazepam

Long acting
- Diazepam

Question 7

Adverse effects of Benzodiazepines

Answer 7

Respi depression when taken with alcohol - treat w/ Flumazenil (bzdp antagonist)

Drowsiness, confusion, amnesia
Impaired muscle coordination
Tolerance & dependance

Question 8

Zolpidem MOA

Answer 8

Acts at same site as benzodiazepines, (potentiates GABA A)
Used for insomnia, not anxiety

Question 9

Buspirone MOA

Answer 9

5-HT1A receptor partial agonist
Anxiolytic

Question 10

Barbiturates

Answer 10

Same action as bzdps but diff site
Sedative-hypnotic, anticonvulsant
Tolerance & dependance
Overdose cannot be treated hy flumazenil