Anxiolytics, Sedatives, and ADHD Medications

Anxiolytics and Sedatives Overview

• Medications that work on the central nervous system to relieve anxiety, have a calming effect, or help with sleep

• Anxiolytics: medications that reduce anxiety

• Sedatives: medications that cause sleep

• Often grouped together bc many drugs have both anxiolytic and sedative properties (often dose dependent)

• Many antidepressants have anxiolytic effects as well

Drug Class: Benzodiazepines overview

• Work by enhancing the inhibitory neurotransmitter gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA) which has a calming effect on many brain functions

• Used in treatment of seizure disorders due to GABA enhancing effect

• Addition/ dependence potential (DEA Schedule IV)

• Use as an anxiolytic or sleep aid depends on each benzo’s pharmacokinetic profile (onset of action, duration, etc)

Alprazolam

• Class: Benzodiazepines

• Brand: Xanax

• Indicated for anxiety

Clonazepam

• Class: Benzodiazepines

• Brand: Klonopin

• Indicated for anxiety

Lorazepam

• Class: Benzodiazepines

• Brand: Ativan

• Indicated for anxiety

Diazepam

Drug class: Benzodiazepine

Brand: Valium

Indicated for anxiety

Temazepam

• Class: Benzodiazepines

• Brand: Restoril

• Indicated for insomnia

Zolpidem

• Class: anxiolytics/ sedatives

• Brand: Ambien

• Non-benzodiazepine sleep aid that works by enhancing GABA (DEA Schedule IV)

Buspirone

• Class: other anxiolytics/ sedatives

• Brand: buspar

• Anxiolytic that binds at certain serotonin and dopamine receptors but its exact mechanism for reducing anxiety is unknown

ADHD Medications overview

• ADHA: attention deficit hyperactivity disorder

• Goal is to lower symptoms of ADHD (improve focus and impulse control)

• Work by increasing neurotransmitters that affect focus and impulse control (norepinephrine, dopamine)

• Stimulant and Non Stimulant Medications

Drug Class: central nervous system stimulants for ADHD

• Most commonly prescribed meds for ADHD; Abuse potential (DEA Schedule II)

• Work by increasing the amounts of dopamine and norepinephrine in the brain

Methylphenidate

• Class: Central Nervous System Stimulants for ADHD

• Brand: Ritalin

Dexmethylphenidate

• Class: Central Nervous System Stimulants for ADHD

• Brand: Focalin

Amphetamine/ Dextroamphetamine

• Class: Central Nervous System Stimulants for ADHD

• Brand: Adderall

Lisdexamfetamine

• Class: Central Nervous System Stimulants for ADHD

• Brand: Vyvanse

Atomoxetine

• Class: Non-Stimulants for ADHD

• Brand: Strattera

• Works by selectively inhibiting norepinephrine, causing increased levels; not a controlled substance

Clonidine ER

• Class: Non stimulants for ADHD

• Brand: Kapvay

• Alpha 2 agonist blood pressure medications with extended release formulations for ADHD

Guanfacine ER

• Class: Non Stimulants for ADHD

• Brand: Intuniv

• Alpha 2 agonist blood pressure medications with extended release formulations for ADHD