...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,...
Words: 382 - Pages: 2
...Savannah Latimer Due Aug 8 Benzodiazepines Effects on Anxiety Benzodiazepines are classified as a family of depressant drugs and that means they slow down the activity and excitability of the central nervous system (1). These drugs are often used to treat a variety of conditions, because they have a variety of effects on the individual using them. When a person takes this type of medication they will most likely feel sedation, a reduced state of anxiety, increased muscle relaxation, and they may also experience an induced state of sleep (1). The effects caused by this family of depressants causes them to be widely used treatment for anxiety (1). There are several different benzodiazepines out in the world today and are also one of the most widely prescribed types of drugs in the world (2). The most common ones prescribed for the treatment of anxiety are diazepam, which is Valium, and alprazolam, which is Xanax (2). Most benzodiazepines have slightly different properties, but they all have a very similar effect on the brain (2). Benzodiazepines work on the GABA receptors in the brain to produce their effects (3). They work as GABA agonists in the brain, and that means they have the same effect as the neurotransmitter GABA (3). The effect of GABA in the brain is to slow down brain activity and reduce brain excitability, so as a GABA agonist benzodiazepines mimic GABA and do the same things to the brain (3). This is why benzodiazepines are able to produce sedation, muscle...
Words: 1191 - Pages: 5
...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...
Words: 745 - Pages: 3
...Benziodiazepine Drugs: Comparison of Diazepam, Clonazepam, & Lorazepam Table of Content Page 3 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Introduction Page 4 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Diazepam: History & Mechanism of Action Page 5 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Diazepam: Pharmacokinetics Page 6 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Diazepam: Comparison of Pharmacokinetics Page 7 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 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 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . ...
Words: 6612 - Pages: 27
...Abstract: all drugs affect the mind but psychoactive drugs are a specific type of drug that is specifically made to affect the brain’s chemistry in order to correct an imbalance or abnormality. They have many medicinal uses, beneficial to humans, yet people use them recreationally. Former athletes used them primarily for medicinal 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...
Words: 1806 - Pages: 8
...A relatively new drug, Valium (or Diazepam) is a depressant drug seen frequently in modern psychopharmacological medication. Diazepam is part of the archetypical drug group benzodiazepines, anxiolytics that have hypnotic or amnesia-inducing effects . The second benzodiazepine isolated by Croatian chemist Leo Sternbach in 1963, Valium quickly became notable for its potency, being two and a half times more potent than its predecessor, chlordiazepoxidine . Valium spearheaded psychotropic medication, improving on the currently used barbiturates and becoming the highest selling pharmaceutical in 1969 - 82 . During the 1960's and 1970's psychopharmacological medications became prominent in day to day life. These types of medication became known as "Mother's Little Helpers" because of their ability to "help" or "treat" the pressures of motherhood, single-hood, and other womanly problems . Lifestyle drugs, which garner attention in the media, weren’t a huge business, but Valium, from the Latin word for "to be strong and well," proved to be different. Despite its youthfulness, Valium’s potency and relative safety result in frequent usage of the drug to alleviate both common, as well as rarer, nervous ailments people frequently suffer....
Words: 473 - Pages: 2
...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...
Words: 602 - Pages: 3
...antagonists b. designer drugs c. analogs d. agonists Question 3 1 out of 1 points Approximately _____ adult Americans consume alcohol. Selected Answer: Answers: b. two out of every three a. three out of every four b. two out of every three c. one out of every three d. four out of every five Question 4 1 out of 1 points Most patients cannot tell the difference between heroin and morphine in equivalent doses. Selected Answer: Answers: True True False Question 5 1 out of 1 points Common short-term effects of ____________________ include drowsiness, dizziness, confusion, and mood swings. Selected Answer: Answers: d. benzodiazepine a. barbiturates b. alcohol c. heroin d. benzodiazepine Question 6 1 out of 1 points Rohypnol is known on the street as “rophies.” Selected Answer: Answers: True True False Question 7 1 out of 1 points Benzodiazepines are referred to pharmacologically as ____________________. Selected Answer: Answers: b. sedative-hypnotics a. antagonists b. sedative-hypnotics c. agonists d. polydrugs Question 8 1 out of 1 points Fentanyl is classified as a narcotic. Selected Answer: Answers: True True False Question 9 1 out of 1 points In 2006, _____ mixed with and sold as heroin was responsible for killing hundreds of people in cities from Chicago to Philadelphia. Selected Answer: Answers: c. fentanyl a. glutamine b. acetaldehyde c. fentanyl d. thiamine (vitamin B1) Question 10 0 out of 1 points A wide variety of studies clearly...
Words: 662 - Pages: 3
...According to the Substance Abuse and Mental Health’s 2009 National Survey on Drug Use and Health, alcohol abuse in the elderly is noted as primary to opiate abuse (Bogunovic). Alcohol use can certainly amplify the effect of benzodiazepines and opioids. Alcohol is also metabolized at a much slower rate in elderly patients. The combination of alcohol and prescription drugs can be a recipe for disaster at any age, but there is an increased rate of injury within the elderly when considering the frailty of an aging body. A surprising statistic in regards to elderly prescription drug abuse is that it is more common in older females than older males. According to Belinda Basca’s article, “The Elderly and Prescription Drug Misuse and Abuse”, older adult females take an average of 5 prescription medications at one time and for longer periods of time than older adult males (3). Basca also notes that half of these drugs prescribed to older adult females are potentially addictive...
Words: 1507 - Pages: 7
...Biological methods of stress management try to control the body’s response to stress by reducing physiological activity. The most well-known biological method of stress management is drug therapy. One method is using drugs called Benzodiazepines (BZs). These are the most common type of drug to relieve stress and anxiety issues. They work by slowing down the Central Nervous System activity. GABA, the hormone responsible for anxiety relief naturally in the human body is enhanced by the BZs. The BZs will also help to reduce the serotonin activity in the brain, which is the neurotransmitter which causes stimulation, and reduces anxiety as a result. Benzodiazepines have a number of effects that all lead to the reduction of stress in people without much effort. The other type of drug that could be used to treat stress and anxiety issues are Beta Blockers (BBs). When the body detects stress, the SNS is activated which leads to raised heart rate, which leads to higher blood pressure which can lead to Chronic Heart Disease, heart attack, stroke etc. The Beta Blocker is taken then and it acts by reducing activity of adrenaline and noradrenaline and also binds to the receptors of the heart and other areas of the body stimulated by arousal. As a result of blocking these receptors, it is therefore harder to stimulate them and so the heart beat is slowed, and therefore lower blood pressure. An advantage of drugs is that they work very quickly and are effective in reducing stress almost...
Words: 420 - Pages: 2
...Analyzing Psychological Disorders Lynn Bible PSY/240 December 2, 2012 Pam Stoelzel Analyzing Psychological Disorders Schizophrenia, drug abuse, and anxiety are all complex psychological disorders. When helping someone that suffers from these disorders, you must understand how and why they work the way that they do. All three disorders come with symptoms that can cause people not blend in with society and live a normal life. The right kinds of treatment can help people to overcome the symptoms of these disorders and live a normal life, but they are not curable. Schizophrenia Schizophrenia affects the most crucial parts of the brain: the forebrain, the hindbrain, and the limbic system. The forebrain includes the cerebral hemispheres (hypothalamus, thalamus, corpus callosum, and the limbic system). It controls cognition, sensory and motor functions, temperature regulation, hunger, sleep cycles, and emotional expressions. The frontal lobe of the forebrain causes positive symptoms of schizophrenia like delusions. The temporal lobe of the forebrain distorts sounds and visions causing hallucinations. The hindbrain includes the pons, medulla, and the cerebellum. Schizophrenia affects this part of the brain causing the negative symptoms as in distorted motor functions, body language, and catatonic behaviors. The limbic system includes the hippocampus and the amygdala. The functions of this area of the brain are regulated emotions, memories, learning, and...
Words: 1959 - Pages: 8
...AGORAPHOBIA DEFINITION Agoraphobia (ag-uh-ruh-FO-be-uh) is an anxiety disorder in which individuals have feeling of afraid to panic and embarrass themselves in front of many people. As result, the trying to avoid themselves from public situation. Individuals who suffer from agoraphobia are afraid of being in situation in which escape would be difficult or embarrassing of panic-like symptoms occurred. Because of their fear of embarrassing themselves, people with agoraphobia may confine themselves to their homes and venture out as little as possible, and when they do go out, they may only do so with someone they believe will able to be help them or becoming their shield when they become anxious. Note that individuals with agoraphobia do not avoid people because of any fear of people; instead they avoid people because “something” might happen that they cannot control and then they will embarrass themselves. Diagnosed that have been carried out noted that amongst female and males, the female have higher percentage of agoraphobia which was 7% whereas the male only 3.5%. THEORIES The available theories suggest that agoraphobia have psychological and physiological components, but it is unclear whether physiological factors cause physiological changes, or vice versa. In considering biological contributors to the development of panic disorder, researchers have been struck by the fact that biological relatives of individuals with panic disorder are 8 times more likely to develop...
Words: 874 - Pages: 4
...Study- Jerry McCall HCS/335 Ethical Case Study: Jerry McCall Jerry McCall is a Medical Assistant for Dr. Williams. One afternoon Jerry was covering the front office while the receptionist was out to lunch. He received a phone call from a patient who requested a refill for Valium. The patient had stated that he and Dr. Williams are personal friends and Dr. Williams always gives him “a small supply of Valium before he leaves on a trip” (Fremgen, 2009 p. 85). Jerry was the only person in the office at the time of the phone call. Should Jerry refill the medication? No Jerry should not and I will explain why this is not ethically right. Valium also known as Diazepam is a “benzodiazepine, it affects chemicals in the brain that may become unbalanced and cause anxiety” (drugs.com, 2013) Benzodiazepine is drugs that, “affect gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA), a neurotransmitter chemical that nerves use to communicate with one another” (rxlist.com, 2013). Valium is used to treat anxiety, seizures, insomnia, and at times light sedation for medical procedures. Jerry works for Dr. Williams as a Certified Medical Assistant (CMA) not a Licensed Practical Nurse so he must follow the Certified Medical Assistant Scope of Practice. In the State of California “Medical assistants are unlicensed individuals who perform non-invasive routine technical support services under the supervision of a licensed physician and surgeon or podiatrist in a medical office or clinic setting. The supervising...
Words: 1058 - Pages: 5
...Antianxiety Drugs: Relief through the Power of Drugs Name Institution Antianxiety drugs are used to relief pain and reduce pain to patients under medical attention such as surgery. The antianxiety drugs are used to treat a broad range of symptoms and conditions in patients. They are also used to reduce and treat depression in patients as many suffer from anxiety at the mere thought of going to the dentist (Kucerova, et al., 2009). Therefore, antianxiety drugs used in dentistry help to relief and reduce pain, reduce and treat depression and a wide range of symptoms for patients with anxiety during the dentistry appointments. Hence, the antianxiety drugs are commonly administered by dentists for the relief of this anxiety (Leftwich, 21 International Patient Care, p. 234). Below we are going to discuss the common type of anxiety drugs used in dentistry and in what situations they are indicated for use. We are also going to discuss briefly other information that would benefit patients furthering the understanding of these needed drugs. During the process of dental surgery, dentists have found types of sedation to use to prevent anxiety and ease the pain of the procedure to its patients. There several sedative drugs that can be taken by mouth and the dentist determines the best to be used for the sedation. The following are some of the drugs administered during sedation. 1. Diazepam It is the commonly most recognized dentistry medication. It has a long historical record of efficient...
Words: 1135 - Pages: 5
...Derek is admitted to the emergency department critically unwell. Consider the presenting symptoms as outlined in the social history, video clips and medical records and address the following; a) Provide and interpretation of Derek’s ABGs. Derek’s blood gases are as follows PaO2 80mm/Hg PaCO2 52mm/Hg PH 7.25 HCO3 30 The results show that Derek has respiratory acidosis. According to Porth and Matfin, (2009) respiratory acidosis is a condition was an acid imbalance occurs in the body. During gas exchange, the exchange of gas is impaired and results in excess carbon dioxide (CO2) being absorbed into the blood stream, initiating the formation of an acid, making the blood more acidic (Porth & Matfin, 2009). The PH drops as there is little ventilation of the alveolar, and compensation results in the production of hydro carbon dioxide (HCO2) (Farrell & Dempsey 2005). Respiratory acidosis may be caused by injury to the respiratory centres, diseases of the lungs, blockage of the airway and respiratory disorders (Porth & Matfin, 2009). b.) Provide two possible reasons for the ABG’s based on Derek’s history and presentation. The cause for Respiratory acidosis in Derek could have been caused by a respiratory disorder such as COPD which he has been diagnosed with since 1997, and was asked to cease smoking but up to date he has continued to smoke 20-30 cigarettes per day. Porth and Matfin, (2009) explain that conditions of the respiratory system may cause...
Words: 3306 - Pages: 14
