Anxiolytics Flashcards
Anxiolytic indications
- anxiety
- insomnia
- depression
- panic disorder
- social phobia
- bipolar disorder
Anxiolytics
- barbiturates
- benzodiazepines
- serotonine receptor agnoists
Benzodiazepines
- Act selectively on GABA receptors in the brain
- it enhances response to the INHIBITORY NEUROTRANSMITTER GABA by opening GABA activates chloride channels and allowing chloride ions to enter the neuron
- used as sedatives, hypnotics, anxiolytics, and muscle relaxants
Two types of benzodiazepine receptors:
- one that causes the anti-anxiety effect
- one that elicit the sedative effect
Short term effects (benzodiazepines)
Benzodiazepines are prescribed for relaxation, calmness, and relief from anxiety and tension
Side effects: - impaired motor coordination - drowsiness, lethargy, fatigue - impaired thinking and memory (de tre øverste står i rødt på PP) - confusion - depression - altered vision - respiratory depression
High doses (benzodiazepines)
- extreme drowsiness
- slowed relfexes
- mood swings
- hostile and erratic behavior
- euphoria
Paradoxical effects (benzodiazepines)
- increased seizures in epeleptics
- aggression, violence
- impulsivitity, irritability
- suicidal behavior
- consequences of disinhibition and the subsequent loss of control over socially unacceptable behavior
Dependence and withdrawal
Tolerance to certain benzodiazepines occurs most often in those who have used for 6 months or more.
Withdrawal symptoms are most severe when a high dose of either a short-acting or intermediate-acting benzodiazepine is abruptly discontinued.
How to ease symptoms of withdrawal?
Gradually reduce the amount of medication until the dose is low enough that the individual will not feel discomfort.
Duration of effect
Short-acting (pre-anesthetic): midazolam, triazolam
Intermediate (sleep aids): alprazolam, clonazepam, lorazepam, oxazepam, temazepam
Long-acting (anxiety, seizures): chlordiazepoxide, diazepam, flurazepam
Hypnotics (short-acting benzodiazepines)
- to induce sleep and in general prolong its duration
- sustained use produces an addiction
BZD receptor agonists
Zopliclone and eszopiclone is largely used as hypnotic for the short-term management of insomnia, have a BENZODIAZEPINA ACTION without have its chemical structure
Melatonin receptor agonist
- activates melatonin receptors in the hypothalamus
- rapid onset with minimal rebound insomnia
Agnoist
Et uttrykk innenfor Farmakologien og sikter til et legemiddel, eller annen substans, som binder til en reseptor og stimulerer receptorens aktivitet.
Beta-receptor blockers
- beta blockers bind to the receptor of epinephrine and other stress hormones
- although not anxiolytics, used to control the somatic symptoms of anxiety
- stage fright, performance enhancement
