Mental Disorders Due to Use of Sedatives and Hypnotics

  • benzodiazepines - potentiate the action of GABA
  • risk of dependence
  • short-acting benzodiazepines: alprazolam, flunitrazepam, oxazepam, lorazepam, temazepam
  • long-lasting benzodiazepines: diazepam, clorazepate, chlordiazepoxide, etc.
  • withdrawal state can be accomplished with epileptic seizures
  • interaction with alcohol may induce qualitative changes of consciousness