anti-anxiety drugs

Question 1

signs and symptions of anxiety

Answer 1

increase HR
increase breathing rate
GIT probs: diarrhea/constipation
increase urination
skin becomes cold

Question 2

benzodiazepines use

Answer 2

anti-anxiety (all drugs discussed are benzodiazepines)

hypnotic

emergency for epilepsy – IV diazePAM, lorazePAM

muscle relaxant

premedication for balanced anesthesia

tx of alcohol withdrawal

Question 3

short acting benzodiazepine

Answer 3

midazolam

Question 4

intermediate acting benzodiazepine

Answer 4

lorazepam, alprazolam

Question 5

long acting benzodiazepine

Answer 5

diazepam

Question 6

PD of benzodiazepines

Answer 6

potentiation of GABA (inhibitory neurotransmitter) actions via specific benzodiazepine sites in CNS

increases freq of Cl- channel opening (which is induced by GABA –> GABA dependent)

Question 7

PK of benzodiazepines

Answer 7

oral route: fast onset 0.5-1h (alprazolam)

parenteral (midazolam, lorazepam, diazepam)
IV: immediate
IM: unpredictable and avoided

Question 8

how long duration acting drug to give elderly

Answer 8

short-acting, bc elderly high fall risk and v dangerous bc can make them drowsy

Question 9

what do you need to do before discharging pt who was given benzodiazepine

Answer 9

make sure pt doesn’t drive (until drug is eliminated)

Question 10

adverse effects of benzodiazepine

Answer 10

CNS: drowsiness, diminished motor skills, increase rxn time, anterograde amnesia (esp after IV sedation)

CVS: reduce BP, may cause cardiac arrest if given IV rapidly

neonatal toxicity: floppy child syndrome

tolerance, dependence, withdrawal

paradoxical effects: garrulousness (talkative), irritability, (sexual) hallucination, hypomanic behaviour (overactive/excited behaviour)