Benzodiazepine is a depressant drug, used to Tx anxiety, insomnia, agitation, seizure, muscle spasm, alcohol withdrawal, and premedication for medical or dental procedures. They can be either short, intermediate, or long acting.
MOA
Enhances the effect of the neurotransmitter GABA, at the GABA-A receptor, resulting in sedative, sleep-inducing, anti-anxiety, anticonvulsant, and muscle relaxant properties
Side effects
Cognitive impairments and paradoxical effects (aggression or behavioral disinhibition) occassionally occur. Long term use may cause adverse psychological and physical effects
It is prone to cause tolerance, physical dependence, and upon cessation after long term use, withdrawal
There is also controversy regarding safety of benzo in pregnancy, and may cause cleft palate
They are much less toxic than their predecessor, barbiturates, and death rarely results when benzo is the only drug taken, however, can be toxic and cause fatal overdise when taken with other depressants like ethanol and opiates
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