Benzodiazepines Lecture Notes

Overview

• Also known as anxiolytics or anti-anxiety agents.
• Used to relieve anxiety in the body.
• Recognizable by the suffixes: -zepam and -zolam.

Examples

• Alprazolam (Xanax)
• Lorazepam (Ativan)
• Diazepam (Valium)
• Clonazepam (Colopin)

Mechanism of Action

• Binds to GABA receptors in the brain.
• GABA: An inhibitory neurotransmitter that slows brain activity.
• Enhances GABA’s inhibitory actions leading to CNS depression.
  • Results in a calming effect.

Uses

• Anxiety and Panic Disorders
• Seizure Activity
• Muscle Relaxants
• Alcohol Dependence and Withdrawal (notably lorazepam/Ativan)

Side Effects

• Central Nervous System depression affecting the whole body:
  • Decreased respiratory rate (bradypnea)
  • Respiratory depression
  • Hypotension (decrease in blood pressure)
  • Constipation (decreased GI motility)
  • Sedation (decreased energy levels)
  • Dry mouth (decreased secretions)

Patient Education

• Change positions slowly to avoid dizziness and falls.
• Avoid driving or operating heavy machinery initially.
• Avoid alcohol, illicit drugs, or unprescribed CNS depressants.
• Do not abruptly stop medication; taper off gradually.
• Benzodiazepines are not recommended for long-term treatment.

Nursing Considerations

• Monitor vital signs, especially respiratory rate.
• Watch for mental status changes, e.g., confusion.
• Implement fall risk precautions.
• Know the antidote for overdose or severe depression: Flumazenil.
  • Memory aid: "I flew fast in my Mercedes-Benz"

Key Points for Review

• CNS depressant effects necessitate vital sign monitoring.
• Antidote: Flumazenil. ( i FLU fast on my BENZ
• Lorazepam is used in alcohol withdrawal protocols.

Additional Resources

• Complete Pharmacology flashcards for detailed study.