Anxiolytics

Question 1

Anxiolytic indications

Answer 1

• anxiety
• insomnia
• depression
• panic disorder
• social phobia
• bipolar disorder

Question 2

Anxiolytics

Answer 2

• barbiturates
• benzodiazepines
• serotonine receptor agnoists

Question 3

Benzodiazepines

Answer 3

• Act selectively on GABA receptors in the brain
• it enhances response to the INHIBITORY NEUROTRANSMITTER GABA by opening GABA activates chloride channels and allowing chloride ions to enter the neuron
• used as sedatives, hypnotics, anxiolytics, and muscle relaxants

Question 4

Two types of benzodiazepine receptors:

Answer 4

• one that causes the anti-anxiety effect

- one that elicit the sedative effect

Question 5

Short term effects (benzodiazepines)

Answer 5

Benzodiazepines are prescribed for relaxation, calmness, and relief from anxiety and tension

Side effects:
- impaired motor coordination
- drowsiness, lethargy, fatigue
- impaired thinking and memory 
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- confusion
- depression
- altered vision
- respiratory depression

Question 6

High doses (benzodiazepines)

Answer 6

• extreme drowsiness
• slowed relfexes
• mood swings
• hostile and erratic behavior
• euphoria

Question 7

Paradoxical effects (benzodiazepines)

Answer 7

• increased seizures in epeleptics
• aggression, violence
• impulsivitity, irritability
• suicidal behavior
• consequences of disinhibition and the subsequent loss of control over socially unacceptable behavior

Question 8

Dependence and withdrawal

Answer 8

Tolerance to certain benzodiazepines occurs most often in those who have used for 6 months or more.

Withdrawal symptoms are most severe when a high dose of either a short-acting or intermediate-acting benzodiazepine is abruptly discontinued.

Question 9

How to ease symptoms of withdrawal?

Answer 9

Gradually reduce the amount of medication until the dose is low enough that the individual will not feel discomfort.

Question 10

Duration of effect

Answer 10

Short-acting (pre-anesthetic): midazolam, triazolam

Intermediate (sleep aids): alprazolam, clonazepam, lorazepam, oxazepam, temazepam

Long-acting (anxiety, seizures): chlordiazepoxide, diazepam, flurazepam

Question 11

Hypnotics (short-acting benzodiazepines)

Answer 11

• to induce sleep and in general prolong its duration

- sustained use produces an addiction

Question 12

BZD receptor agonists

Answer 12

Zopliclone and eszopiclone is largely used as hypnotic for the short-term management of insomnia, have a BENZODIAZEPINA ACTION without have its chemical structure

Question 13

Melatonin receptor agonist

Answer 13

• activates melatonin receptors in the hypothalamus

- rapid onset with minimal rebound insomnia

Question 14

Agnoist

Answer 14

Et uttrykk innenfor Farmakologien og sikter til et legemiddel, eller annen substans, som binder til en reseptor og stimulerer receptorens aktivitet.

Question 15

Beta-receptor blockers

Answer 15

• beta blockers bind to the receptor of epinephrine and other stress hormones
• although not anxiolytics, used to control the somatic symptoms of anxiety
• stage fright, performance enhancement