Psychopharmacology - anxiolytics

Question 1

Indications

Answer 1

• Panic disorder
• Generalised anxiety disorder
• Substance-related disorder
• Withdrawals → alcohol
• Insomnnias
• Parasommnias
• Augmenting agent → SSRI/ SNRI

Question 2

Benzodiazapines

Answer 2

• Insomnia, parasomnias, anxiety disorders
• CNS depressant withdrawal → ETOH (alcohol)
• Side effects
  
  • Somnolescence
  • Cognitive deficits
  • Amnesia
  • Disinhibition
  • Tolerance
  • Dependance
• Alprazolam, chlordiazepoxide, clonazepam, diazepam, flurazepam, lorazepam

Question 3

Summary on benzodiazepines

Answer 3

• Dependence develops rapidly and becomes less effective
• Reserved for emergency and short-term use → emergency sedation and withdrawals
• Psychiatric use → must treat underlying cause rather than symptoms