6: Pharmacology of anxiolytics Flashcards
Which drugs are used to control anxiety in the short term?
Benzodiazepines
fear symptoms - amygdala
worry symptoms i.e the feeling of anxiety - big ol long one
match parts of the brain to symptoms of anxiety
Which drugs enhance the action of GABA (inhibitory neurotransmitter)?
Benzodiazepines
Which inhibitory receptor is the main one acted on by benzodiazepines, barbiturates (used in the past) and alcohol?
GABA-A
Which ion passes through the cell membrane when GABA-A receptors are activated?
What is the effect on the membrane potential?
Cl-
Repolarisation
What binds to GABA-A receptors to open Cl- channels?
Benzodiazepines
What effect do benzodiazepines have on GABA-A receptors?
Allosteric
Open Cl- channels, repolarising cell, making it less likely to fire an AP
What are some examples of benzodiazepines used for sedation, anxiety and sleeping disorders?
Diazepam
Lorazepam
Chlordiazepoxide
What benzo is longer acting and so tends to be used in primary care?
Diazepam
Which
a) withdrawal state
b) neurological emergency
can benzos be used to treat?
a) Alcohol withdrawal
b) Status epilepticus
What are some of the side effects of benzodiazepine withdrawal?
GI - N&V, cramps
Anxiety symptoms
Are benzodiazepines addictive?
Yes
Also can build a tolerance to them
Can benzodiazepines be withdrawn immediately?
No > withdrawal
Switch to long acting (diaz or chloradiazepoxide) and taper dose
Apart from benzodiazepines, which other class of drug can be used to treat anxiety?
How does it work?
SSRI / SNRI
Inhibit reuptake of serotonin
