NURS 615 Exam 2 Study Guide
Anxiolytics
Benzodiazepines:
o
Pharmacodynamics: Gamma Amio butyric acid (GABA) an
inhibitor neurotransmitter.
o
Benzodiazepines increase the action of GABA, which reduces
the effect of neuronal excitation. Act on GABA receptor.
o
This can result in reduction in anxiety, muscle relaxation,
ataxia, anticonvulsant activity.
o
They are an agonist at the Gaba receptor, but they
INHIBIT the neurotransmitter.
o
It reduces the activity through voltage dependent chloride channels.
o
Examples:
o
alprazolam (Xanax)
o
Lorazepam (Ativan
o
Temazepam (Restoril)
Buspar:
•
Acts mainly in the Serotonin 1a receptor.
•
It does have some activity at the dopamine receptor but be
sure to know that it primarily acts at the serotonin receptor.
•
Short half-life, but slow onset of action.
•
Absorbed well orally, should be taken with food to decrease
first-pass effect.
•
Sometimes called an atypical anxiolytic.
•
Approved for the use of GAD.
•
Full agonist at the pre-synaptic serotonin receptor.
•
Acts mainly at these receptors.
Antidepressants
SSRIs: Selective Reuptake Inhibitors:
•
Examples:
o
Paroxetine (Paxil)
o
Fluoxetine (Prozac)
o
Sertraline (Zoloft)
o
Citalopram (Celexa)
o
Escitalopram (Lexapro)
•
Act at the Serotonin receptor
•
These are indicated for MDD, GAD, OCD, PTSD, Panic
disorder and more.
