Benzodiazepines

Question 1

Common Facts

Answer 1

Common ending: -azepam
Commonly used to treat: anxiety, panic attacks, sleep disorders, seizures, muscle relaxation
Common adverse reaction: sedation, confusion, reduced motor performance
Common auxiliary labels: may cause dizziness/drowsiness; avoid alcohol
Common Doses: depends on use
-Insomnia=before sleep
-Panic attacks=PRN
-Anxiety, muscle relaxation=may see 1-4 times daily

Question 2

Mechanism of Action

Answer 2

Increases receptors affinity for GABA

     - Increases binding of GABA
     - GABA=major inhibitory neurotransmitter

Question 3

Notes

Answer 3

Targeted substances
High therapeutic index=lethal dose much higher than therapeutic dose
Capable of producing tolerance and dependence
-Tolerance=require to take increasing doses to achieve same effects
-Dependence= must continue to take drug in order to avoid withdrawal
symptoms
-Withdrawal symptoms=tremors, anxiety, insomnia, agitation, confusion

Question 4

Ativan

Answer 4

Generic name: lorazepam
Tablets: 0.5mg, 1mg, 2mg
SL (sublingual) tablets: 0.5mg, 1mg

Question 5

Halcion

Answer 5

Generic name: triazolam

Tablets: 0.125mg, 0.25mg

Question 6

Lectopam

Answer 6

Generic name: bromazepam

Tablets: 1.5mg, 3mg, 6mh

Question 7

Librium

Answer 7

Generic name: chlordiazepoxide

Capsules: 5mg, 10mg, 25mg

Question 8

Restoril

Answer 8

Generic name: temazepam

Capsules: 15mg, 30mg

Question 9

Rivotril

Answer 9

Generic name: clonazepam

Tablets: 0.5mg, 2mg

Question 10

Serax

Answer 10

Generic name: oxazepam

Tablets: 10mg, 15mg, 30mg

Question 11

Valium

Answer 11

Generic name: diazepam

Tablets: 2mg, 5mg, 10mg

Question 12

Versed

Answer 12

Generic name: midazolam
Injection: 1mg/mL, 5mg/mL
Often compounded into oral solution to administer to pediatric dental patients prior to a dental procedure
Has amnesia producing effect, so pediatric patients may “forget” procedure