Anxiety and Panic Disorder Drugs

Flashcards about drugs to treat anxiety and panic disorders.

What is anxiety?

A normal psychological response that protects individuals from unpleasant situations.

What are some emotional symptoms of anxiety?

Irrational fear, irritability, restlessness, and trouble concentrating.

What are some physical symptoms of anxiety?

Sweating, tachycardia, shortness of breath, and stomach upset.

What are the main types of anxiety disorders?

Generalized Anxiety Disorder (GAD), Panic Disorder, OCD, Social Anxiety Disorder, Specific Phobias, Separation Anxiety Disorder, and PTSD.

What characterizes Generalized Anxiety Disorder (GAD)?

Constant worry about health, money, or work for no apparent reason.

What characterizes Panic Disorder?

Sudden and intense attacks of anxiety in certain situations.

What characterizes Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD)?

Unwanted thoughts or behaviors that seem impossible to stop.

What characterizes Social Anxiety Disorder (Social Phobia)?

Intense fear of social situations.

What characterizes Specific Phobias?

Intense fear of specific objects or situations (e.g., spiders, heights).

What characterizes Separation Anxiety Disorder?

Excessive fear of separation from loved ones.

What is Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD)?

Anxiety disorder that affects people who have experienced severe emotional trauma.

What can be used to treat severe, chronic, debilitating anxiety?

Antianxiety drugs.

What two purposes can antianxiety drugs serve?

Anxiolytic and hypnotic (sleep-inducing) agents.

What are the main classes of anxiolytic drugs?

Benzodiazepines, Antidepressants, Non-sedating Anxiolytic Drugs, Beta-adrenergic blockers, and MAO inhibitors.

What are antianxiety drugs?

Drugs that can relieve anxiety without interfering with mental or physical function.

What is the common chemical structure of benzodiazepines?

They share a benzene ring joined to a seven-member ring containing two nitrogen molecules.

What are examples of short-acting benzodiazepines?

Triazolam and Midazolam.

What are examples of intermediate-acting benzodiazepines?

Alprazolam and Lorazepam.

What are examples of long-acting benzodiazepines?

Chlordiazepoxide and Diazepam.

How do benzodiazepines work?

They enhance the response to GABA by facilitating opening of GABA-activated chlorine channels.

Besides opening chloride channels, what else do Benzodiazepines increase?

Increased affinity of GABA for the receptor.

What does the influx of chloride ions cause?

Hyperpolarization of the neuron and decreased neurotransmission.

What are the key pharmacokinetic properties of benzodiazepines?

They are lipid soluble, well absorbed orally, and widely distributed.

Where are most benzodiazepines metabolized, and to what?

Liver, to active metabolites.

What are the Therapeutic Uses of Benzodiazepines?

General anxiety disorder, OCD, Panic attack with depression, and Sleep disorders (insomnia).

Which Benzos can be used to treat Epilepsy?

Diazepam and Lorazepam.

What is Midazolam IV used for?

Induction of anesthesia.

What are common adverse effects of benzodiazepines?

Drowsiness, confusion, ataxia, and cognitive impairment.

What are the contraindications for benzodiazepines?

Severe Respiratory Depression, Acute Narrow-Angle Glaucoma, Myasthenia Gravis, Severe Hepatic Impairment, pregnancy, or breast-feeding.

What is the benzodiazepine antagonist?

Flumazenil.

How does Flumazenil work?

It competitively inhibits benzodiazepine binding at the GABA-A receptor.

What is Buspirone used for?

Chronic anxiety, without causing marked sedation, amnesia, tolerance, dependence, or muscle relaxation.

What is the mechanism of action of Buspirone?

Partial agonist at serotonin 5-HT1A receptors and antagonist for dopamine D2 recepter.

What are the disadvantages of Buspirone?

Slow onset of action, GIT upset, dizziness, and drowsiness.

How do nonbenzodiazepines (zolpidem, zaleplon, and eszopiclone) exert their effects?

Binding to and activating the benzodiazepine site of the receptor complex.

What are nonbenzodiazepines widely used for?

short-term management of insomnia

How do Beta Blockers help with Anxiety?

Reduce somatic symptoms of anxiety.

Which tricyclic antidepressants can be used for anxiety, especially associated with depression?

Doxepin and imipramine.

Which SSRI can be used for panic disorder, OCD, depression, GAD and phobias?

Fluoxetine.

How does Melatonin help with sleep?

Maintain the circadian rhythm.