Antianxiety Drugs
Question 1. Describe Antianxiety Drugs.
Answer:
They are also called anxiolytics. They are the drugs that control the symptoms of anxiety.
Antianxiety Drugs Classification
- Benzodiazepines: Diazepam, chlordiazepoxide, oxazepam, lorazepam, alprazolam
- Azapirones: Buspirone, ispopirone, gepirone
- Beta blocker: Propranolol
- Sedative antihistaminic: Hydroxyzine.
Read And Learn More: Pharmacology Question And Answers
Antianxiety Drugs Benzodiazepine
- On low doses, they act as antianxiety agents and they do not have much effect on the central nervous system.
- They have less drug abuse potential.
- They are very safe even in overdosage.
- They act by facilitating GABA transmission.
- On higher doses they induce sleep and prolong use may produce dependence.
Antianxiety Drugs Uses
- In short-lived anxiety states oxazepam and lorazepam are used.
- In chronic anxiety states chlordiazepoxide’s are used.
- In acute panic states and anxiety associated with organic diseases diazepam is used.
- In anxiety associated with depression, alprazolam is used.
Antianxiety Drugs Buspirone
- They do not produce sedation, dependence, and tolerance.
- They do not modify GABA transmission.
- They are partial agonist for 5HT1A receptors which are present presynaptically and reduces serotonin activity.
- It is used in mild to moderate anxiety states.
Antianxiety Drugs Beta Blockers
- They block symptoms like palpitation, rise in blood pressure, tremors, and gastrointestinal hurrying.
- They are used in situational anxiety.
Antianxiety Drugs Hydroxyzine
- It is a highly sedative first-generation H1 blocker and produces selective antianxiety action.
- This drug also produces antiallergic, antiemetic, and anticholinergic effects.
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