benzodiazepines pharm unit 2

effects of benzodiazepines

anxiolytic, sedative, hypnotic

benzodiazepine drug class

class IV

names of benzos (3)

lorazepam (Ativan)

alprazolam (Xanax)

diazepam (Valium)

name of atypical benzo (1)

zolpidem (Ambien)

MOA of benzos

binds directly to their own receptor to enhance effects of GABA (inhibitory neurotransmitter)

diazepam (valium) half life and onset

20-80 hrs half life

fast onset

alprazolam (xanax) half life and onset

8-37 hours half life

intermediate onset

lorazepam (ativan) half life and onset

10-20 hour half life

intermediate onset

indications for benzo use

sedation, anxiety, insomnia, acute seizure treatment, alcohol withdrawal, muscle relaxation

sedation use of benzos

for procedures and acute agitation

anxiety use of benzos

control of acute panic attack

used transitionally while waiting for SSRI to take effect

alcohol withdrawal use of benzos

1st line treatment for withdrawal and delirium tremens (seizure disorder)

muscle relaxation use of benzos

muscle spasm

restless leg syndrome

contraindications of benzos

addiction to other drugs or past history of benzo addiction

pts w/ central or obstructive sleep apneia bc they have abdormal respiratory centers

comatose patient

severe hypotension

use w/ caution in elderly (not contraindicated tho)

side effects of benzos

amnesia - good for med procedures

respiratory depression -caution w/ COPD, asthma, sleep anpea

decreased BP, increased HR

daytime sedation/drowiness

disinhibition

ataxia (unstable gait)/dizziness

benzos are NOT...

analgesics - no pain relief but more calming effect

can addiction happen with benzos?

yes- tolerance, dependence, and withdrawal are all concerns

lower half life benzos are more likely to...

cause withdrawal- have a longer stretch of time to gradually work their way out of your system

shorter half life benzos are more likely to...

have less tendency of hangover effects - less daytime grogginess/ daytime sedation