Month: August 2025

Barbital (Veronal) was used as a sedative-hypnotic for insomnia and anxiety management. It is a barbiturate that depresses CNS activity, producing sedation and sleep. Chemical Formula: C₈H₁₂N₂O₃ Mechanism of Action: Enhances the action of GABA by prolonging the opening of Cl⁻ channels at the GABA-A receptor. Therapeutic Uses: Historically used as a sedative/hypnotic (no longer … Read more

Zolpidem (non-benzodiazepine hypnotic) treats insomnia by inducing fast sleep with minimal hangover. Zolpidem (non-benzodiazepine hypnotic) enhances GABA action, offering short-acting sedative effects. Chemical Formula: C₁₉H₂₁N₃O Mechanism of Zolpidem (non-benzodiazepine hypnotic): Selective binding to BZ1 (α1 subunit) of GABA-A receptor Induces sleep with minimal muscle relaxant or anticonvulsant activity Uses of Zolpidem (non-benzodiazepine hypnotic): Insomnia (short-term … Read more

Alprazolam treats anxiety and panic disorders by calming the nervous system. Alprazolam is a short-acting benzodiazepine enhancing GABA activity. Chemical Formula: C₁₇H₁₃ClN₄ Mechanism of Alprazolam: High affinity for α2/α3 GABA-A subunits → anxiolytic Moderate affinity for α1 → sedative effect Uses of Alprazolam: Panic disorder Generalized anxiety disorder (GAD) Short-term anxiety Side Effects: High abuse … Read more

Lorazepam is a drug which treats anxiety, insomnia, and seizures with calming effects. Lorazepam, a benzodiazepine, enhances GABA activity for sedation. Chemical Formula: C₁₅H₁₀Cl₂N₂O₂ Mechanism of Lorazepam: Enhances GABAergic inhibition Intermediate-acting BZD with no active metabolites Uses of Lorazepam: Status epilepticus (IV) Anxiety Pre-op sedation Side Effects: CNS depression Amnesia Less hepatic metabolism → safe … Read more

Clorazepate Dipotassium treats anxiety, seizures, and alcohol withdrawal symptoms. Clorazepate Dipotassium treats anxiety, seizures, and alcohol withdrawal symptoms. Chemical Formula: C₁₆H₁₁ClN₂O₄ Mechanism of Clorazepate Dipotassium: Converted to active diazepam-like compound in the stomach Modulates GABA-A receptors Uses of Clorazepate Dipotassium: Anxiety Partial seizures Alcohol withdrawal Side Effects: Sedation Dizziness Long duration of action due to … Read more

Oxazepam treats anxiety, alcohol withdrawal, and insomnia with safer short-acting control. Oxazepam, a benzodiazepine, is an active metabolite of Diazepam with slower onset. Chemical Formula: C₁₅H₁₁ClN₂O₂ Mechanism of Oxazepam: Short-acting GABA-A modulator Does not undergo hepatic oxidation (safe in liver disease) Uses of Oxazepam: Anxiety Alcohol withdrawal Short-term insomnia Side Effects: Sedation Confusion (elderly) Less … Read more

Diazepam treats anxiety, seizures, muscle spasms, and alcohol withdrawal effectively. Diazepam enhances GABA action, producing sedative, anxiolytic, and anticonvulsant effects. Chemical Formula: C₁₆H₁₃ClN₂O Mechanism: Enhances GABAergic transmission at GABA-A receptors by increasing frequency of Cl⁻ channel opening Uses: Anxiety Muscle spasms Seizures (status epilepticus) Alcohol withdrawal Premedication for procedures Side Effects: Drowsiness, sedation Amnesia Muscle … Read more

Chlordiazepoxide treats anxiety, alcohol withdrawal, and muscle spasms effectively. Chlordiazepoxide is a benzodiazepine enhancing GABA action for calming effects. Chemical Formula: C₁₆H₁₄ClN₃O Mechanism of Chlordiazepoxide: Binds to GABA-A receptor (α, γ subunits) to enhance GABA effect (↑ Cl⁻ influx) Uses of Chlordiazepoxide: Generalized anxiety disorder Alcohol withdrawal Preoperative sedation Side Effects: Drowsiness Impaired coordination Tolerance, … Read more