Sedative & Hypnotics

Sedatives, Hypnotics & Anxiolytics

Benzodiazepines
A class of drugs that have an effect on the brain that, in turn, induces sleep and causes feelings of relief, relaxation and a state of euphoria.
Should only be taken as prescribed by your physician. Although
One of the safest classes of prescription drugs, consuming these drugs should not be taken lightly. If anything, greater caution should be taken.
Although the initial and intended feelings from use are almost always addicting.
Continuing and exceeding use for this reason can only lead to trouble. Respiratory, heart and psychological problems can occur, as well as withdrawal, overdosing and even death.
Mechanism of action:
? Benzodiazepine receptors (BZ), associated with gamma-amino-butyric-acid (GABAA) receptors

? Open Cl- channels, cause hyper-polarization
? Inhibit nerve transmission & cause dose related depression of CNS, including reticular activating system (RAS)
? BZ1 mediate sedation & hypnosis
? BZ2 - muscle relaxation & anti-convulsant effects
Pharmacological Action
1. Reduction of Anxiety: at low doses.
2. Sedative and Hypnotic action: at high doses.
3. Amnesia: temporary impairment of memory.
4. Anti-convulsant: for status epilepticus and seizures disorders.
5. Muscle Relaxant: at high doses
Why Do People Use Benzodiazepines?
• Anxiety levels
• Stress
• Trouble sleeping
• In combination with amphetamine-like drugs
Short-Term Effects (High Doses)
• Paranoia
• Aggression
• Easily agitated
• Difficulty remembering
• Irritability
Effects in Overdose
• Unconsciousness
• Respiratory depression
• Collapse of heart and heart functions
• Walking difficulty
• CNS depression
• Shallow breathing
Long-term Effects
• “Rebound effects”
Over use of these drugs can cause a reversal effect
Seizures can occur; calm and relaxed feelings dissipate
• Tolerance develops, resulting in dependence
Must have more and more of the drug to feel an even minor effects
Higher risk of overdose
• Withdrawal
This leads to dependence as well
No one wants to feel the unpleasant withdrawal effects, so continues use
Cognitive Effects
• Memory impairment/Amnesia
• Confusion
• Sleepiness