Benzodiazepines
- Mechanism of Action: Enhance inhibitory neurotransmission by increasing the affinity of GABAA receptors for GABA.
- Pharmacokinetics: Effects are terminated by redistribution.
- Pharmacodynamics: Amnestic, anticonvulsant, anxiolytic, and sedative-hypnotic (dose-dependent manner). No analgesia.
Indications:
- Used to treat insomnia, parasomnias and anxiety disorders.
- Often used for CNS depressant withdrawal protocols ex. ETOH withdrawal.
Side effects/cons: - Somnolence - Cognitive deficits - Amnesia - Disinhibition - Tolerance - Dependence
Flumazenil
- Mechanism of Action: A competitive antagonist at the benzodiazepine binding site of GABAA receptors in the CNS.