Antianxiety Agents - Benzodiazepines (-am)

Question 1

Short acting

Answer 1

● Midazolam | onset: rapid | duration 1-2 hours - quick on/ quick off

Question 2

Intermediate acting

Answer 2

● Alprazolam | onset: intermediate | duration: 6-12 hours

● Clonazepam | onset: intermediate | duration: 18-50 hours

● Lorazepam | onset: rapid IV, intermediate PO| duration: 2-6 hours - medium on/long off

Question 3

Long-acting

Answer 3

● Diazepam | onset: rapid | duration: 20-50 hours - quick on/ long off

Question 4

Lorazepam

Answer 4

Therapeutic class: antianxiety agent
Indication: anxiety, sedation, seizures (rapid acting)

Action: general CNS depression

Nursing Considerations:
● Avoid alcohol
● Monitor for respiratory depression (RR >12)
● Antidote - flumazenil