Anxiolytics Flashcards

1
Q

How do benzodiazepines work?

A

Bind to GABA receptors and enhance the action of GABA (inhibition)

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2
Q
Effects of benzodiazepines
Always
Another
Stupid
Mnemonic
About 
Amnesia
A

(reduce) Anxiety
(reduce) Aggression
Sedation
Muscle relaxant
Anti-convulsant
Anterograde amnesia

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3
Q

What is anterograde amnesia

A

Inability to form new memories after the (event causing) amnesia

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4
Q

Main inhibitory transmitter in the brain

A

GABA

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5
Q

How does GABA work?

A

Causes hyperpolarisaion of target cells (allows Cl- to enter)

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6
Q

Antagonist to benzodiazepines (i.e. could give if you overdose)

A

Flumazenil

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7
Q

Name 2 SSRI’s you could prescribe for generalised anxiety disorder

A
  • escitalopram

- paroxetine

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8
Q

If someone overdoses on benzos what could you give them?

A

Flumazenil

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9
Q

How to withdraw benzodiazepines

A

1) Transfer patient to equivalent daily dose of diazepam/chlordiazepoxide preferably taken at night
2) Reduce dose every 2–3 weeks in steps of 2 or 2.5mg; if withdrawal symptoms occur, maintain this dose until symptoms improve
3) Reduce dose further, if necessary in smaller steps; it is better to reduce too slowly rather than too quickly
4) Stop completely; time needed for withdrawal can vary from about 4 weeks to a year or more

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10
Q

Benzodiazepines and monoamines

A

Benzodiazepines block increases of NA and 5-HT release

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11
Q

Name a 5-HT1A agonist

A

Busipirone

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12
Q

What can happen if you withdraw benzodiazepines rapidly?

A

Rapid withdrawal may cause confusion, toxic psychosis and even convulsions

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13
Q

SSRI’s for GAD?

A

Escitalopram, paroxetine

you could also use venlaxafine and this may help prevent subsequent development of depression

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14
Q

Drugs for OCD

A

SSRI’s

TCA’s

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15
Q

Driving and benzodiazepines

A

Patients should be advised not to drive when on benzos

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16
Q

Drug for social anxiety disorder

A

Moclobemide

17
Q

The locus coeruleus projects onto the prefrontal cortex and the hippocampus, what does it release if there are stressfsul/anxiogenic stimuli

A

Releases NA

benzos block this increase

18
Q

What does the dorsal raphe nucleus release if there are stressful/anxiogenic stimuli?

A

5-HT

benzos block this increase

19
Q

How does pregabalin work?

A

Ca2+ channel blocker, GABA enhancer

-only considered if not responsive to other treatments

20
Q

How long should you prescribe benzodiazepines for?

A

Max 2-4 weeks