ANXIETY-TREATMENTS
Anxiety is an unpleasant state of emotion that consists of apprehension, tension and feelings of danger without a real cause.
Symptoms of Anxiety:-
1.Tachycardia (Increased heartbeats)
2.Tachypnea (Fast and short breathings)
3.Sweating
4.Trembling
5.Weakness
Treatments:-
Classifications of Drugs:-
1.Benzodiazepines:-
A. Short-Acting:-(2 to 8 hours)
1.Oxazepam
2.Clonazepam
3.Midazolam
4.Triazolam
B. Medium Acting:-(10 to 20 hours)
1.Temazepam
2.Lorazepam
3.Alprazolam
C. Long-Acting:-(1 to 3 days)
1.Chlordiazepoxide
2.Diazepam
3.Flurazepam
All the above-mentioned benzodiazepines are acted by binding with its own receptors in the CNS very adjacent to GABA receptor the inhibitory neurotransmitter. Benzodiazepines enhance and potentiate the binding of GABA at its receptor.
Binding of GABA at its receptors results in chloride ion channel opening and its conductance to get the nerve hyperpolarized and prevention of the action potentials leads to nerve relaxation.
Clinical Uses:-
Major uses are as muscle relaxants followed by
1.Anxiety
2.Panic disorders(Alprazolam )
3.Status epilepticus(Diazepam)
4.Insomnia(Lorazepam, and temazepam)
5.Alcohol withdrawal (Diazepam)
Benzodiazepines can be administered by oral,i.m., and I.V. routes.
Metabolism:-
Benzodiazepines are metabolized in the liver and excreted in Urine. Many of them are having metabolites.
Tolerance and Dependence:-
Long time use may result in dependence.
Abrupt withdrawal may lead to,
1.Confusion
2.Anxiety
3.Agitation
4.Agitation
Side effects:-
1.Drowsiness and Confusion
2.Ataxia
3.Dizziness
Contraindication:-
Alcohol-If takes with alcohol serious respiratory depression followed by death.
Antidote For Benzo-Poisoning:-
Flumazenil which has a similar structure of benzodiazepines and competitively inhibits the actions of benzodiazepines at its receptors. Thus it will reverse the effects of benzodiazepine overdose.
The effects may be lost within one hour and repeated doses may be required.
