lecture 6 Flashcards
what are benzos?
most frequently prescribed psychotropic medications for anxiety disorders including panic disorders
benzos are a:
CNS depressant with sedative, hypnotic, anxiolytic effects
most commonly prescribed benzos:
xanax, lonopin, librium, valium, Ativan, restoril, halcion
benzos mechanism of action:
modulation of the GABA-A receptors
where do benzos bind at?
the interface of the receptor and licks it into a configuration that increases its affinity for GABA
benzos do not alter the production of GABA, but instead it:
potentiates its inhibitory actions by enhancing receptor binding which leads to reception in neuronal excitability and slows down the CNS resulting in a calming effect
benzos weaken the:
interneurons in the brains ventral segmental area
benzos also help prevent excessive:
dopamine levels by down regulating the firing rates of dopamine producing neurons
lessening of GABA restraint on dopaminergic neurons equals an”
increase in dopamine release
before benzos, which medication were prescribed?
barbiturates CNS depressant
why are barbiturates dangerous?
they suppress areas of the brain involved in heart rate and respiration
benzos were so popular in the 50s because:
of their improved safety profile when compared to barbiturates which caused respiratory depression
benzos were heavily marketed for:
regular daily stressors and pathologizing normal emotions and conditions specifically targeting women
withdrawal symptoms of benzos:
memory loss, seizures, disruption in menstrual cycle, increase in psychological symptoms, death in pre clinical studies
xanax works faster than:
valium and therefore used for panic
