benzodiazepines

Question 1

mode f function of benzodiazepines ?

Answer 1

enhance the effect of the inhibitory neurotransmitter gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA) by increasing the frequency of chloride channels

Question 2

benzodiazepines are only prescribed for a short period of time (2-4 weeks). because ?

Answer 2

develop a tolerance and dependence t

Question 3

withdrawl of benzodiazepines

Answer 3

switch patients to the equivalent dose of diazepam
reduce dose every 2 weeks in steps of 2 or 2.5 mg (might take months to fully withdraw)

if not use the same drug
dose should be withdrawn in steps of about 1/8
of the daily dose every fortnight

Question 4

patients withdraw too quickly from benzodiazepines they may experience

Answer 4

benzodiazepine withdrawal syndrome, a condition very similar to alcohol withdrawal syndrome:

nsomnia
irritability
anxiety
tremor
loss of appetite