...A benzodiazepine /ˌbɛnzɵdaɪˈæzɨpiːn/ (sometimes colloquially "benzo"; often abbreviated "BZD") is a psychoactive drug whose core chemical structure is the fusion of a benzene ring and a diazepine ring. The first benzodiazepine, chlordiazepoxide (Librium), was discovered accidentally by Leo Sternbach in 1955, and made available in 1960 by Hoffmann–La Roche, which has also marketed diazepam (Valium) since 1963.[1] Benzodiazepines enhance the effect of the neurotransmitter gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA), which results in sedative, hypnotic (sleep-inducing), anxiolytic (anti-anxiety), anticonvulsant, muscle relaxant and amnesic action.[2] These properties make benzodiazepines useful in treating anxiety, insomnia, agitation, seizures, muscle spasms, alcohol withdrawal and as a premedication for medical or dental procedures.[3] Benzodiazepines are categorized as either short-, intermediate- or long-acting. Short- and intermediate-acting benzodiazepines are preferred for the treatment of insomnia; longer-acting benzodiazepines are recommended for the treatment of anxiety.[4] In general, benzodiazepines are safe and effective in the short term, although cognitive impairments and paradoxical effects such as aggression or behavioral disinhibition occasionally occur.[5] Long-term use is controversial due to concerns about adverse psychological and physical effects, increased questioning of effectiveness and because benzodiazepines are prone to cause tolerance, physical dependence,...
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...Benzodiazepines were introduced in the 1950’s-60’s and many continued to be introduced thereafter. Benzodiazepines are similar to alcohol in that they work as a sedative when taken, but were also labeled for their hypnotics effect. This drug has a history of being used for purposes other than those recommended by the prescribing doctor. The use of this specific drug had a drastic increase during the 1960’s and early 1970’s. Although abuse and the misuse of the drug were recognized earlier, because of the low rate of prescription the problem was not considered of high importance (Wick, 2013). Benzodiazepine-type drugs (benzodiazepines and the newer non-benzodiazepines) are similar to older sedative/hypnotic drugs, such as the barbiturates, in that they act at the GABAA receptors. Unfortunately, benzodiazepine-type drugs also retain the liability for abuse and dependence associated with the earlier anxiolytics. Action at GABAA receptors likely plays a key role in both the therapeutic as well as abuse-related effects of this important class of drugs (Licatta & Rowlett, 2008) Benzodiazepines are the top prescribed drug for the treatment of anxiety disorders as well as for sedation and sleep. Because this drug reduces stress and sedates the host, they have become an ideal drug for not only anxiety, but disorders such as epilepsy and alcohol withdrawal. Benzodiazepines quickly became one of the more popular drugs used amongst psychotropics and most patients show preference...
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... . . . . . . . . . . . . . Diazepam: Comparison of Pharmacokinetics Page 8 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Diazepam: Comparison of Pharmacokinetics Page 9 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Diazepam: Adverse Effect Page 10 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Diazepam: Overdose Page 11 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Diazepam: Contradiction Page 12 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Clonazepam: Information & Mechanism of Action Page 13 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Clonazepam: Pharmacokinetics Page 14 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Clonazepam: Comparison of Pharmacokinetics Page 15 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Clonazepam: Comparison of Pharmacokinetics Page 16 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Clonazepam: Comparison of Pharmacokinetics Page 17 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Clonazepam: Comparison of Pharmacokinetics Page 18 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Clonazepam: Adverse Effects Page 19 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Lorazepam: Information and Mechanism of Action...
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...Some side effects of Xanax are drowsiness, dizziness, and increased saliva production. The more serious side effects of Xanax is mental changes, slurred speech, hallucinations, memory problems, and loss of coordination. “Alprazolam is used by drug addicts and has become a popular party drug during the last decade.” (Vester) Signs and symptoms of Xanax abuse are more likely noticed when a person has reached high levels of consumption. A person who has become dependent on this drug- which means they have come to rely on this drug psychologically as well being physically addicted-will probably need rehabilitation before they are able to embark on a new, sober life. When a person is addicted, they have found an escape from certain life problems...
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...Psychiatric Disorders, Diseases, and Drugs Psychiatric Disorders, Diseases, and Drugs Psychiatric disorders and diseases are those conditions defined by the presentation of abnormal behavior. Abnormal behavior is often defined by the mental health profession as behavior which is unusual or atypical. In addition, the individual suffering from a psychiatric disease or disorder may have difficulty with perception of reality or the hindered ability to interpret reality which may cause significant personal distress, self defeating behavior or otherwise dangerous behavior to oneself or others. Often times these behaviors are also socially unacceptable to ones specific culture (Nevid & Rathus, 2005). Schizophrenia is one of the most complex psychiatric diseases of all time. The disease name means “the splitting of psychic functions” (Pinel, 2007, p.481). The individual diagnosed with schizophrenia will commonly present symptoms which include bizarre delusions, inappropriate affect, hallucinations, incoherent thoughts and odd behavior with these symptoms varying in severity (Pinel, 2007). Various theories on schizophrenia have come to fruition over time. It is the belief of some researchers that schizophrenia has a genetic predisposition and that combined with experiences involving immense trauma or stress the disease can be triggered for development. In addition, those individuals with a genetic predisposition for schizophrenia who suffer hindered neurodevelopment at...
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...as a mood stabilize and prevent the highs and lows experienced with Bipolar Disorder. Lithium has been used for many years to treat Bipolar Disorder. If you are prescribed lithium, periodic blood tests are done to monitor thyroid and kidney. Some of the common side effects of lithium are restlessness, dry mouth, and GI upset. Anticonvulsants Anticonvulsants are a type of mood-stabilizing medication used in Bipolar Disorder treatment. Examples of anticonvulsants include valproic acid (Depakene or Stavzor), divalproex (Depakote), and lamotrigine (Lamictal). It is found that the anticonvulsant asenapine (Saphris) can be helpful when treating mixed episodes. Common side effects of anticonvulsants are weight gain, dizziness, and sleepiness. It is rare, but certain anticonvulsants can cause skin rashes, blood disorders, or liver dysfunction. Antipsychotics Antipsychotic medications may offer help for patient who don’t respond to an anticonvulsant. Examples of antipsychotics include aripiprazole (Abilify), olanzapine (Zyprexa), risperidone (Risperdal), and quetiapine (Seroquel). Only one antipsychotic medication is approved by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) to treat Bipolar Disorder: quetiapine. Side effects depend on the specific medication, but can include weight gain, sleepiness, tremors, blurred vision, and rapid heartbeat. Antipsychotic medication use also has the potential to affect memory and attention, and cause involuntary movements. Antidepressants Depending...
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...to this, researching the effects of benzodiazepines on adolescents. I’m lucky enough to own and run an outpatient adolescent treatment center, this allows me to work with teenagers and that’s what I love to do. I am challenged daily but last week I met this boy would really pushed me and some of my staff on our knowledge of benzodiazepines. He was definitely a product of the Web Md. Era, knowing quite a bit about the pharmacology of the medication and its benefits but lacked the basic education on its side effects and possible dangers. I myself didn’t feel up to par on this topic, hence choose to do this paper and better help my clients and better help my education. The first benzodiazepine, chordiazepoxide (Librium), was discovered accidentally by Leo Sternbach in 1955, and was made available in 1960 by Hoffmann-LaRoche. (1) Without getting too technical about what benzodiazepines (or benzos as they are commonly referred to as) are, I will briefly explain how they work. Benzos work on central nervous system, specifically the gamma-aminobutyric acid-A (GABA-A) receptors in the brain. Think of GABA as a messenger in the brain, but this messenger actually slows down or stops communication. This makes the neurotransmitters in your brain less responsive to serotonin, dopamine, and norepinephrine. The result to this affect is why benzos are useful as an anti-anxiety medication, sedative, anticonvulsant, and muscle relaxant. In general, benzodiazepines are safe and effective in...
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...disorders. Researchers show that the main difference between the two disorders begins with the archaic mind-brain. In other words the neuropsychological disorders are thought to be a product of a dysfunctional brain. Psychiatric disorders are those assumed to be products of dysfunctional minds, absent in the brains pathology. In recent studies we have learned these two types of disorders are closely related however, there tends to be some differences between them such as experiential factors. Some common psychiatric disorders are schizophrenia, depression, mania, anxiety disorders, and tourette syndrome. No matter what research shows us as far as relation of two types of disorders, it is important to remember how serious some of them can be. In order to understand some of the disorders one should know about what they do and what happens to the individual who suffers from them including drugs that can help or negative effects of association by certain drugs used in common psychiatric disorders. The term schizophrenia was coined in the early 20th century, meaning- splitting of psychic functions. Schizophrenia is the disease which most commonly associates with the concept of madness and occurs in all races in the world. Schizophrenia has had a variety of theories but the one that remains is the fact of changing or worsening symptoms during progression of this disorder. Another theory proven true is the life experiences of an individual. In the people who have a biological tendency...
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...Xanax, also known as alprazolam, affects chemicals in the brain that may be unbalanced in people with anxiety (drugs.com, n.d.). This is a type of medicine called a benzodiazepine (Marshall, 2015). They are used as sedative and to relieve anxiety. It is the most frequently prescribed benzodiazepine in the U.S. It was prescribed 49 million times in 2011 (drugabuse.com, 2017). It only takes an hour for most of the drugs desired effects to occur, and the effects typically last for at least 6 hours (drugabuse.com, 2017). The medication usually comes in tablet form or an extended release capsule (drugabuse.com, 2017). http://www.drugrehabcenter.com/addiction/addictions-and-substances/xanax-addiction-and-treatment.html Neurotransmitters are chemicals...
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...Definition/Description: Anxiety is a response to a real or imagined danger. Mild anxiety is a common experience and usually requires no treatment. People actually experience anxiety everyday, and in case of mild anxiety, it can be the motivation for achievement, and results in a better outcome. However, moderate to severe anxiety is a symptom of psychiatric disorders such as a phobia, panic disorder, obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD), and post traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). Chronic and severe anxiety are treated with antianxiety drugs, also called anxiolytics or minor tranquilizers. Anxiety is a feeling of apprehension, fear, or worry. It can occur without a cause and may not be based on a real-life situation. Symptoms of anxiety vary with the form of anxiety disorder. Common anxiety disorders include panic disorder, generalized anxiety disorder, phobic disorder, OCD, and PTSD. Treatment of anxiety depends on the cause. Short-term anxiety attacks can be treated at home with interventions such as talking with a supportive person, meditating, taking a warm bath, resting in a quiet place, or performing deep-breathing exercises. Life style modification, such as balanced diet, regular exercise, and adequate sleep can be helpful to overcome anxiety. If the cause is physical, such as a tumor called a phechormocytoma, surgical removal of the tumor can resolve the symptom of anxiety. Hyperthyroidism can be the cause of anxiety, and the treatment of hyperthyroidism...
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...individual’s thoughts, speech, emotional, perception, and motor activities, and can often times lead an individual to not know what is reality and non-reality. Dopamine is the theory with schizophrenia, “schizophrenia is caused by too much dopamine and, conversely, that ant schizophrenic drugs exert their effects by decreasing dopamine levels.” (Pearson Education, Inc, 2009) When the body doesn’t make enough or makes too much of a certain chemical this can often times lead to an illness or disease that needs to be treated by a doctor. Treatments that are given to individuals with schizophrenia can be given medications: (Mayo Foundation, 1998-2011) * Aripiprazole (Abilify) * Clozapine (Clozaril) * Olanzapine (Zyprexa) * Paliperidone (Invega) * Quetiapine (Seroquel) * Risperidone (Risperdal) * Ziprasidone (Geodon) These drugs can help an individual be calm and not get agitated, the medication can help individuals not have delusion episodes or have hallucinations, and help disorganized speech and behavior. Short term side effects can include an individual to drowsiness, restlessness, muscle spasms, tremor, dry mouth, blurred vision. Long term side effects with antipsychotic drugs can cause serious problems that can include Tardive dyskinesia (TD) which can cause an individual to have...
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...General Psychiatry William a. Kehoe, Pharm.D., m.a., FCCP, BCPS University of the Pacific stockton, california © 2009 American College of Clinical Pharmacy 1-281 General Psychiatry Learning Objectives: 1. Describe pharmacotherapeutic options for managing the following psychiatric problems: depression, bipolar disorder, schizophrenia, anxiety disorders, insomnia, and alcohol withdrawal. Describe the drugs used to treat the above disorders in terms of unique pharmacological properties, therapeutic uses, adverse effects, and cognitive and behavioral effects. Formulate a pharmacotherapeutic treatment plan when presented with a patient having depression, bipolar disorder, schizophrenia, an anxiety disorder, or insomnia. Discuss the treatment of substance abuse using alcohol abuse as a model. 4. 2. C. Theophylline. D. Pseudoephedrine. Which one of the following antidepressants would be least likely to cause drug-disease or drug-drug interactions for T.N.? A. Venlafaxine. B. Fluvoxamine. C. Phenelzine. D. Fluoxetine. Which one of the following periods represents the continuation therapy phase for T.N.’s depression? A. 6–12 weeks. B. 12–16 weeks. C. 6–12 months. D. 2−3 years. T.N. will be seen initially at monthly intervals to assess antidepressant therapy. Which one of the following instruments is a patient-completed measure of depressive symptoms that could be used to assess his response? A. Hamilton Rating Scale for Depression. B. Montgomery-Åsberg Depression Rating Scale...
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...uses but most soon fell into addiction or abused them on others. They have various effects on us as humans, creating altered states of consciousness that causes us to even forget what we are doing and hurt ourselves. Fortunately, there are rehabilitation centers and drug organizations that help spread awareness and provide drug abuse help. In January 2012, Former NFL Darren Sharper filed a worker’s compensation claim in California that described health problems including sleep, in which he was given prescription Ambien, a brand name of Zolpidem used to treat insomnia, by his doctor. He was a frequent user, going through 70 pills in 65 days in January 2014 ("Darren Sharper case spotlights sleep drug's dark side", 2014). January 12, 2014, he was found with 20 pills when arrested by Los Angeles officers as a suspect for two rape cases. He is also suspect for at least 4 other cases in various states throughout the United States. Sharper is not the only person who has turned to Zolpidem for sleep treatment. In fact, he is one of the growing numbers of former and current NFL players who use Zolpidem, even to the point of addiction, just to help them sleep, due to the head injuries gained from playing in the NFL. Although it is not the #1 drug out there, it is “among the top 15, with over 43.8 million prescriptions dispensed every year, according to IMS Health” (Darren Sharper, 2014). The effects of Zolpidem is even more effective than Rohypnol, a precursor insomnia treatment drug...
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...about Anxiety Do you know anybody who suffers from anxiety? 40 million people in the United States who are over the age of 17 suffer from some kind of anxiety disorder. That is one in five people in this country with this illness, which means that it is highly likely that somebody around you has anxiety. It is the most common mental illness in the United States. (adaa.org) Anxiety is defined as “a feeling of worry, nervousness, or unease, typically about an imminent event or something with an uncertain outcome.” Although worrying and a certain amount of anxiety is a normal and expected thing, people with this illness have excessive worry and unease. The anxiety is so severe that it makes it difficult to lead a normal life and can be very crippling. Sometimes it is difficult to distinguish between a normal amount of worry and worrying too much. The biggest difference is that an anxious person's worry interferes with their everyday life, this worry occurs most days of the week for more than six months. Sufferers share many symptoms that are common in other illnesses. People with anxiety experience headaches, stomach issues, increased heart rate, high blood pressure, shortness of breath, dizziness, trouble falling asleep or staying asleep, and other problems that lead them to believe that there is something else wrong with them. (health.com) These symptoms often are the reason individuals go to the doctor and eventually are diagnosed with anxiety disorder. Although anxiety is...
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...come with side effects such as gaining weight, dry mouth and sexual needs. These side effects can sometimes make it difficult for the individual to keep up with the treatment. Antidepressants can also work for people with Anxiety. Besides Antidepressants there’s also a medication for people with anxiety disorders which is called Antianxiety. It depends on which type of anxiety the individual has because “each anxiety disorder has different symptoms” (everydayhealth). Typically to treat anxiety disorders they provide psychotherapy. However for an individual who suffers from severe anxiety or GAD (general anxiety disorder) they can be prescribed antidepressants or anti-anxiety medications or what is also called anxiolytics. The most common type of anti-anxiety medicine is called benzodiazepines. “They help relieve anxiety by reducing abnormal electrical activity in the brain” (everydayhealth). It is said that “Benzodiazepines can be used along with antidepressants” (everydayhealth). It’s important to be aware when an individual who is diagnosed with anxiety taking benzodiazepines that they may face withdrawals that are unpleasant. The side effects that occur when taking benzodiazepines are nausea, dizziness, headaches, blurred vison and drowsiness. If these symptoms get worse for the individual to handle, it’s important to inform the psychiatrist or doctor if these symptoms start to interfere with the individual’s life style. General Anxiety disorder and Anxiety are differentiated...
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