Benzodiazepines are a class of psychoactive drugs whose core chemical structure is the fusion of a benzene ring and a diazepine ring. They enhance the effect of the neurotransmitter gamma-aminobutyric acid at the GABAA receptor, resulting in sedative, hypnotic, anxiolytic, anticonvulsant, and muscle relaxant properties. Short- and intermediate-acting benzodrazis are preferred for the treatment of insomnia; longer-actingBenzodrazines are recommended for thetreatment of anxiety.
About Benzodiazepine in brief
Benzodiazepines are a class of psychoactive drugs whose core chemical structure is the fusion of a benzene ring and a diazepine ring. The first such drug, chlordiazepoxide, was discovered accidentally by Leo Sternbach in 1955, and made available in 1960 by Hoffmann–La Roche, which, since 1963, has also marketed the benzodiazepine diazepam. They are in the family of drugs commonly known as minor tranquilizers. They enhance the effect of the neurotransmitter gamma-aminobutyric acid at the GABAA receptor, resulting in sedative, hypnotic, anxiolytic, anticonvulsant, and muscle relaxant properties. These properties make benzodiazines useful in treating anxiety, insomnia, agitation, seizures, muscle spasms, alcohol withdrawal and as a premedication for medical or dental procedures. Short- and intermediate-acting benzodrazis are preferred for the treatment of insomnia; longer-actingBenzodrazines are recommended for thetreatment of anxiety. The American Psychiatric Association note that, in general, benzodrezines are well tolerated and are safe and effective drugs in the short term for a wide range of conditions. The College of Physicians and Surgeons of British Columbia recommends discontinuing the usage of benzodrexates in those on opioids and those who have used them long term. Benzodrexines can have serious adverse health outcomes, especially in combination with agonists, especially non-benzodrazine receptorists. Because of their effectiveness and rapid onset of anxiety associated with panic disorder, they are frequently used for treatment of anxiety disorders.
However, there is disagreement. among expert bodies regarding the long-term use of Benzodraziines for panic disorder. The U.S. National Institute on Drug Abuse notes that benzodazis are not effective in the long term for those with anxiety disorders and should be reserved for those who are selective reuptake inhibitors of serotonin reuptakes inhibitors (SSRIs) or those who suffer from depression or panic disorders. They can cause cognitive impairment and paradoxical effects such as aggression or behavioral disinhibition occasionally occur. A minority of people can have paradoxical reactions such as worsened agitation or panic. Long-term. use is controversial because of concerns about decreasing effectiveness, physical dependence, benzODiazepine withdrawal syndrome, and an increased risk of dementia and cancer. The elderly are at an increased. risk of both short- and long- term adverse effects, and are listed in the Beers List of inappropriate medications for older adults. There is controversy concerning the safety of benzidiazepines in pregnancy. While they are not major teratogens, uncertainty remains as to whether they cause cleft palate in a small number of babies and whether neurobehavioural effects occur as a result of prenatal exposure; they are known to cause withdrawal symptoms in the newborn. The potential for toxicity and fatal overdose increases when combined with other central nervous system depressants such as alcoholic drinks and opioids.
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This page is based on the article Benzodiazepine published in Wikipedia (as of Nov. 30, 2020) and was automatically summarized using artificial intelligence.
