Key Medications for Treating Anxiety

Presenter: Cathy from Level Up RN

Overview

• Discussion of key medications used in the treatment of anxiety.
• Focus on benzodiazepines and atypical anxiolytics.
• Includes a quiz to test knowledge of key points.
• Use Level Up RN psychiatric mental health nursing flashcards for reference.

Benzodiazepines

• Examples: Diazepam, Lorazepam, Midazolam, Alprazolam, Chlordiazepoxide
  • Most end in PAM or LAM except Chlordiazepoxide.
• Uses:
  • Treat anxiety, muscle spasms, seizures, alcohol withdrawal.
  • Induction and maintenance of anesthesia.
• Mode of Action:
  • Enhances the effect of GABA in the CNS for calming effect.
• Side Effects:
  • Sedation, amnesia, respiratory depression.
  • Dependence and withdrawal.
• Important Points:
  • "Pam takes lorazepam for her anxiety. She doesn't drive her Benz anymore because benzos cause sedation."
  • Do not discontinue abruptly; intended for short-term use.
  • Antidote: Flumazenil (not naloxone).

Atypical Anxiolytics

• Key Medication: Buspirone
  • Remember: "Taking a bus to a pier and sitting alone can help ease anxiety like buspirone."
• Benefits:
  • Does not cause sedation; suitable for long-term use.
• Side Effects:
  • Nausea, dizziness, headache.
• Patient Teaching:
  • Take with the same amount of food each time.
  • Avoid grapefruit juice.
  • Full effects may take several weeks.

Quiz

1. True or False: Benzodiazepines enhance the effect of GABA in the CNS.
   • Answer: True.
2. True or False: Naloxone is the antidote for benzodiazepines.
   • Answer: False. Flumazenil is the antidote.
3. True or False: Key side effects of buspirone include respiratory depression, sedation, and amnesia.
   • Answer: False. Those are side effects of benzodiazepines.

Conclusion

• Encouragement to subscribe and share the channel.
• Reminder to use the like button if video was helpful.