Benzodiazepines

Question 1

They enhance the effect of…

Answer 1

The inhibitory neurotransmitter GABA

Question 2

What are they used for?

Answer 2

Sedation
Hypnotic
Anxiolytic
Anticonvulsant 
Muscle relaxant

Question 3

Why should care be taken when prescribing them?

Answer 3

Patients commonly develop a tolerance and dependence

Question 4

How long should they be prescribed for?

Answer 4

2-4 weeks

Question 5

What advice is given with regards to their withdrawal?

Answer 5

Dose withdrawn in steps of around 1/8 of the daily dose every 2 weeks
Suggested protocol if difficulty:
Switch patient to equivalent dose of diazepam
Reduce diazepam dose every 2-3 weeks
Time needed to withdrawal can vary from 4 weeks to a year

Question 6

What features occur in benzodiazepine withdrawal syndrome?

Answer 6

Insomnia
Irritability 
Anxiety
Tremor
Loss of appetite
Tinnitus
Perspiration 
Perceptual disturbances
Seizures

Question 7

Can lorazepam cause amnesia?

Answer 7

Yes anterograde amnesia - recall and creation of new memories impaired

Question 8

Do benzodiazepines increase the frequency of chloride channels or duration of them opening?

Answer 8

The frequency of chloride channels