benzodiazepines

Question 1

indication of benzos and examples?

Answer 1

anxiolytics. acute anxiety/ agitation. Lorazepam/ diazepam

Question 2

MOA for benzos?

Answer 2

bind to a site on gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA) receptors an enhance the inhibitory action of GABA. GABA receptors = widly distributed in the brain site of their action and mechanism where they relieve anxiety= poorly understood

Question 3

contraindication?

Answer 3

acute pulmonary insufficiency, marked neuromuscular respiratory weakness, sleep apnoea,

Question 4

side effects?

Answer 4

drowsiness, ataxia, dysarthria risk of neo-natal withdrawal symptoms, dependence

Question 5

monitoring requirements?

Answer 5

risk of depedency- short term use only

Question 6

treatment cesssation?

Answer 6

withdraw gradually

Question 7

patient/ carer advice?

Answer 7

drowsiness may persist the next day and affect the performane of skilled tasks, alcohol enhances this