Pharmacology of Anxiolytics Flashcards
Are antipsychotic drugs major/minor tranquillisers?
Major
Are Benzodiazepines drugs major/minor tranquillisers?
Minor
What are examples of BZDs?
midazolam lorazepam temazepam diazepam loprazolam
What are the pharmacological effects of BZDs?
reduce anxiety and aggression hypnosis/sedation muscle relaxation anticonvulsant effect anterograde amnesia
How do BZDs act?
Increasing GABA mediated inhibition
What is GABA?
the main inhibitory neurotransmitter in the brain
What are some of the clinical uses of BZD’s?
extreme anxiety (acute) hypnosis alcohol withdrawal mania delirium status epilepticus
How safe are BZDs in overdose?
fairly safe - unlikely to cause respiratory depression alone
What medication is a BZD antagonist?
flumazenil
What problems are encountered when taking BZDs?
tolerance and dependance
Withdrawal and rebound anxiety can occur when taking patients of BZDs - T/F?
true
What happens with rapid withdrawal of BZDs?
confusion
toxic psychosis
(convulsions)
insomnia, anxiety, tremor, weight loss,
What happens to GABA receptors with chronic BZD treatment?
causes a decreased response to GABA
How should BZDs be withdrawn?
transfer to equivalent dose of diazepam
reduce dose every 2-3 weeks - if withdrawal occurs, maintain dose until symptoms disappear
better to reduce to slowly than too quickly
stop completely - time needed can vary from 4 weeks to a year or more
What disorder is moclobemide used for?
social anxiety disorder
