Benzodiazepines Test Cost & Procedure

Benzodiazepines are depressant drugs that are used to treat anxiety. They produce sedation and hypnosis.

Benzodiazepines are categorised as:-

• short acting
• intermediate acting
• Long-acting benzodiazepines

Short- and intermediate-acting benzodiazepines are preferred for insomnia whereas longer-acting benzodiazepines are recommended for the treatment of anxiety.

There are types of benzodiazepines, it includes-

•  alprazolam
•  clonazepam
•  diazepam
•  lorazepam
•  Midazolam

Uses of benzodiazepines:-

• insomnia
• Acute status epilepticus
• generalised anxiety disorder
• social anxiety disorder
• Induction of amnesia
• seizure disorders, such as epilepsy

Also used for other conditions such as:

• other sleep disorders
•  Delirium
•  tic disorders
•  bipolar disorder
•  to manage alcohol withdrawal

How it works:-

It acts by enhancing the effect of inhibitory neurotransmitter GABA-gamma-aminobutyric acid. Neurotransmitters are chemical messengers that help in communication between brain cells. These neurotransmitters have stimulatory or inhibitory effects. GABA shows inhibitory effect.Anxiety occurs due to overstimulation in the brain. On taking benzodiazepines the brain sends signals to counter the overstimulation effects leading to relief from anxiety. In this way it shows an anti-anxiety effect.

Benzodiazepines:-

Common examples and their uses-

• Alprazolam- anxiety and panic attacks Chlordiazepoxide- for alcohol withdrawal
•  Diazepam- panic attacks, seizures,insomnia
• Flurazepam- insomnia
• Clonazepam- seizures and panic attacks
• Lorazepam- seizures, anxiety, anaesthesia

Side- effects of benzodiazepines:-

• drowsiness
• Confusion
• Dizziness
•  Impaired coordination
• ,depression
• increased anxiety
• More serious effects include:
• memory problems
• Behaviour changes
• delirium , especially in older people
• risk of dependence, especially with long-term use possess an increased risk of dementia

Withdrawal Symptoms:-

It is not advised to take benzo for more than 2 weeks. A person taking them for 3-4 weeks then suddenly stops is likely to have withdrawal symptoms .

The withdrawal symptoms of benzodiazepines vary in severity; they usually begin within 24 hours and may last from a few weeks to a few months. Benzodiazepines are habit forming drugs. These can not stop suddenly as they produce dependence. As sudden cessation of these drugs will produce withdrawal symptoms.

Withdrawal symptoms are:-

• Tremors
• Irritability
• agitation and restlessness
• Anxiety
• dizziness
• fatigue
• sleep problems
• Blurred vision
• Malaise
• shortness of breath
• sweating
• flushing
• tremors
• muscle cramps
• seizures
• hallucinations
• gastrointestinal problems
• feelings of unreality

Overdose of benzodiazepines can produce-

• drowsiness
• a very low breathing rate
• confusion and difficulty thinking
• slurring of speech
• loss of muscle control
• coma

Contraindications:-

• Bronchitis
• Myasthenia gravis
• Sleep apnea
• COPD

Relative contraindication:-

• Patients with alcohol and drug abuse
• Patient on recovery