Benzodiazepine

Biologically, benzodiazepines bind to GABA receptor sites in the brain. GABA is an important inhibitory neurotransmitter that if in excess amounts in the brain or regulated can cause seizures and sleep problems respectively. Previously, scientists have tried medication substitution to anxiolytics, agonist substitution to mimic the effect, or abstain completely. Liebrenz and his team of five scientists suggest that, “patients’ subjective views are of clinical importance because past research indicates that individuals should be presented with a variety of treatment alternatives, rather than simply being informed about what is obtainable or easiest; in addition, this prior research has found interventions to be most beneficial when patients…

Benzodiazepines and barbiturates are both used in the treatment of anxiety. However, benzodiazepines are preferred over barbiturates for several reasons. Both drugs act on the GABA-A receptor, which is an ionotropic receptor with a chloride channel, by enhancing the effect of the GABA neurotransmitter. The latter usually binds to the receptor and opens the chloride channel, allowing for the entrance of chloride and causing the hyperpolarization of the cell and therefore its inhibition.…

Benzodiazepine Withdrawal Benzodiazepines are prescription medicines that decrease the activity of (depress) the central nervous system and cause changes in certain brain chemicals (neurotransmitters). Withdrawal is a group of physical and mental symptoms that can happen when you suddenly stop taking a medicine. There are many types of benzodiazepines. Some benzodiazepines take effect quickly and stay in your system for a short amount of time (short-acting). Other benzodiazepines require more…

person feel sleepy. A non-benzodiazepine like Lunesta is extremely fast acting and can take as little as 15 minutes to start working. Several classes of GABA receptors include GABAA, GABAB, and GABAc receptors which are categorized in the central nervous system. Though the distribution of these receptor types,…

Xanax Samantha E. Mendoza San Joaquin Valley College Xanax The brand name is Xanax, the generic name is alprazolam, and the chemical name is 8-Chloro-1-methyl-6-phenyl-4H-s-triazolo [4,3-α] [1,4] benzodiazepine. It is a drug used for managing anxiety disorder or for the short term relief of anxiety symptoms in adults (WebMD, n.d.). Xanax is considered a Schedule IV narcotic because Xanax has a medical use, but the drug is still considered to have potential for abuse. It belongs to a class of…

discontinued. Medical necessity of Ambien has not been substantiated. Recommend non-certification. Clonozepam 0.5mg #60, CA MTUS Chronic Pain Medical Treatment Guidelines state that benzodiazepines range of action includes sedative/hypnotic, anxiolytic, anticonvulsant, and muscle relaxant. They are not recommended for long-term use because long-term efficacy is unproven and there is a risk of dependence. Most guidelines limit use to 4 weeks. Chronic use of clonazepam noted since 2011 has far…

pharmaceutical companies such as Pfizer under brand names like Xanax (Alprazolam), Valium (Diazepam), and Klonopin (Clonazepam). These are prescribed to treat issues related to anxiety and panic and are similar to barbiturate drugs as well (3). These drugs in larger doses can impair memory and judgement. When combined with alcohol, total depressive effect on bodily functions can be lethal (Page 103). Withdrawal symptoms of depressants include insomnia, tremors, depression, increased anxiety,…

This date rape drug also known as Rohypnol is a medication in a class of drugs known as benzodiazepines. Some of the side effects that these drugs have on people are sedation, muscles relaxation, reduction in anxiety and prevention of convulsions. There are side effects associated with Rohypnol that many people should be aware of. The first side effect people should be aware of is Amnesia when is using rohypnol the individual may have no memory or recollection of up to several hours of time.…

commonly known as Restoril, is a sleeping pill that is prescribed to patients. This drug is classified under a type of drugs called benozaphines, which are, “a large group of drugs with sedative and anxiety-reducing properties, which have been found valuable for a large number of uses” (UXL Encyclopedia of Drugs and Addictive Substances). This class of drugs is used to reduce anxiety and help with insomnia. Since temazepam is classified as a benzodiazepine, I was curious as to what this type of…

certified in behavioral treatments for insomnia, they did not provide referrals for their clients,” better education and utilization of professional centers is necessary for the effective treatment of insomnia. Figure 1 represents insomnia, 2outlines CBTI, and figure 3 successful sleep. Many treatments for insomnia are available below is a list of a few such as: • Massage therapy and ear acupuncture (Rodriquez-Mansilla, 2014) • SHUTi program (SMI, 2010) • Home based music therapy (HBMT)…