Drugs used for anxiety, anxiety disorders, post-traumatic disorders, depression, OCD, and alcohol withdrawal.
Non-Benzodiazepines
These act as a partial agonist for serotonin receptors which decrease serotonin turnover.
- BusPar (Buspirone)
- Ambien (Zolpidem)
Side Effects
- Sedation
- Headache
- Nausea
- Dizziness
Benzodiazepines
These mediate/boost the action of gamma amino butyric acid (GABA) as they bind to receptors on the GABA-A receptor. They have a muscle-relaxant, anticonvulasant, sedative, hypnotic, and anxiolytic effect.
- Dalmane (Flurazepam)
- Librium (Chlordiazepoxide)
- Ativan (Lorazepam)
- Serax (Oxazepam)
- Tranxene (Chlorazepate)
- Valium (Diazepam)
- Inderal (Propanolol)
- Vistaril (Hyroxyzine)
- Equanil (Propanolol)
- Klonopin (Clonazepam)
- Halcion (Triazolam)
- Restoril (Temazepam)
- Xanax (Akprazolam)
Side Effects
- Drowsiness
- Impaired Memory
- Poor Motor Coordination
- Sedation
Administration Guidelines
- Dependence: monitor dependence on the drug.
- Driving and other hazardous activities should be avoided.
- Drowsiness and sedation should decrease with time.
- Don’t stop benzodiazepines abruptly
- Don’t drink alcohol when taking anxiolytics.