Benzodiazepine withdrawal syndrome. Benzodiazepine withdrawal syndrome —often abbreviated to benzo withdrawal —is the cluster of symptoms that emerge when a person who has taken benzodiazepines has developed a physical dependence and undergoes dosage reduction or discontinuation.
It is characterized by often severe sleep disturbance, irritability, increased tension and anxiety , panic attacks , hand tremor, sweating, difficulty in concentration, confusion and cognitive difficulty, memory problems, dry retching and nausea, weight loss, palpitations , headache, muscular pain and stiffness, a host of perceptual changes, hallucinations , seizures , psychosis , and suicide [ 2 ] (see "Signs and Symptoms" section below for full list). Further, these symptoms are notable for the manner in which they wax and wane and vary in severity from day to day or week by week instead of steadily decreasing in a straightforward linear manner. [ 3 ] Anticonvulsant. The anticonvulsants (also commonly known as antiepileptic drugs ) are a diverse group of pharmaceuticals used in the treatment of epileptic seizures .
Anticonvulsants are also increasingly being used in the treatment of bipolar disorder , since many seem to act as mood stabilizers , and for the treatment of neuropathic pain . The goal of an anticonvulsant is to suppress the rapid and excessive firing of neurons that start a seizure. Failing this, an effective anticonvulsant would prevent the spread of the seizure within the brain and offer protection against possible excitotoxic effects, that may result in brain damage .
Some studies have cited that anticonvulsants themselves are linked to lowered IQ in children. [ 1 ] However these adverse effects must be balanced against the significant risk epileptiform seizures pose to children and the distinct possibility of death and devastating neurological sequela secondary to seizures. Approval [ edit ] Drugs [ edit ] Aldehydes [ edit ] Beclamide. Anxiolytic. An anxiolytic (also antipanic or antianxiety agent ) [ 1 ] is a drug that inhibits anxiety .
Some recreational drugs like alcoholic beverages (which contain ethanol ) induce anxiolysis. Anxiolytic medications have been used for the treatment of anxiety and its related psychological and physical symptoms. Anxiolytics have been shown to be useful in the treatment of anxiety disorders . Beta-receptor blockers such as propranolol and oxprenolol , although not anxiolytics, can be used to combat the somatic symptoms of anxiety. Anxiolytics are also known as minor tranquilizers . [ 2 ] The term is less common in modern texts, and was originally derived from a dichotomy with major tranquilizers , also known as neuroleptics or antipsychotics . [ citation needed ] Types of anxiolytics/anti-anxiety drugs [ edit ] Medications [ edit ] Benzodiazepines [ edit ] Benzodiazepines are prescribed for short-term relief of severe and disabling anxiety. Serotonergic antidepressants [ edit ]
Benzodiazepine. A benzodiazepine /ˌbɛnzɵdaɪˈæzɨpiːn/ (sometimes colloquially "benzo"; often abbreviated "BZD") is a psychoactive drug whose core chemical structure is the fusion of a benzene ring and a diazepine ring.
The first such drug, chlordiazepoxide (Librium), was discovered accidentally by Leo Sternbach in 1955, and made available in 1960 by Hoffmann–La Roche, which has also marketed the benzodiazepine diazepam (Valium) since 1963.[1] In general, benzodiazepines are safe and effective in the short term, although cognitive impairments and paradoxical effects such as aggression or behavioral disinhibition occasionally occur. A minority react reverse and contrary to what would normally be expected. There is controversy concerning the safety of benzodiazepines in pregnancy.
Medical uses[edit] Panic disorder[edit] Benzodiazepines are usually administered orally; however, very occasionally lorazepam or diazepam may be given intravenously for the treatment of panic attacks.[17]