Pharmacology: Anxiolytics Flashcards Preview

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Flashcards in Pharmacology: Anxiolytics Deck (16)
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1
Q

What drugs are used to treat antiety

A
Benzodiazepines (acutely only)
Antidepressants
Buspirone
Pregabalin
Beta blockers
2
Q

List the pharmacological effects of benzodiazepines

A

Reduce anxiety and aggression
Hypnosis relaxation
Anti convulsant effect
Anterograde amnesia

3
Q

What does GABA causes

A

hyperpolarisation of target cells (either by potassium efflux or choride ion influx)

4
Q

When are benzodiazepines used

A
Acute anxiety 
Alcohol withdrawal
Mania
Delirium
Rapid tranquilisation
Surgery and minor procedures - sedative
Status epilepticus
5
Q

What other drugs work on GABA

A

steroids
ethanol
general anaesthetics

6
Q

What are the problems with benzodiazepines

A

Do not typically cause resp depression so actually fairly safe in overdose
Paradoxical aggression
Anterograde amnesia and impaired coordination
Tolerance and dependency

7
Q

what is the antagonist used in benzo overdose

A

flumazenil

8
Q

which benzodiazepine is particularly bad for anterograde anmensia and co-ordination problems

A

rohypnol

9
Q

how often should dose be reduced when withdrawing benzodiazepines

A

every 2-3 weeks by 2/2.5mg

10
Q

When are SSRIs used in anxiety disorders

A

panic disorder, OCD
PTSD
phobias

11
Q

What ssris are used for GAD

A

escitalopram

paroxetine

12
Q

When are trycyclics uses in anxiety

A

second line for panic disorder

OCD

13
Q

When is venlafaxine used

A

GAD

14
Q

When is moclobemide used

A

social anxiety disorder

15
Q

How does pregabilin work

A

it is a calcium channel blocker, GABA enhancer - used if anxiety unresponsive to other treatments

16
Q

When is propranolol useful in anxiety disorders

A

physical symptoms eg tremor and palpitations