Benzodiazepines | Anxiolytics | Pharmacology Help For Nursing Students

Summary

This video explains benzodiazepines, a class of medications often used for anxiety, panic disorders, muscle relaxation, and seizure activity. Common drugs in this class include Alprazolam (Xanax), Lorazepam (Ativan), Diazepam (Valium), and Clonazepam (Klonopin). These drugs work by enhancing GABA, an inhibitory neurotransmitter, to calm the central nervous system. Side effects include sedation, respiratory depression, and hypotension. Key patient education points include avoiding alcohol, tapering off the drug, and not driving initially. Nurses must monitor respiratory function and be aware that flumazenil is the antidote for benzodiazepine overdose.

Takeaways

• 💊 Benzodiazepines are commonly referred to as anxiolytics or antianxiety agents, used to relieve anxiety.
• 🔍 The suffixes -zepam and -zolam help recognize benzodiazepines (e.g., Alprazolam, Diazepam, Lorazepam, Clonazepam).
• 🧠 Benzodiazepines work by binding to GABA receptors, enhancing GABA's inhibitory effects, leading to a calming effect and central nervous system depression.
• 😰 These medications are used for anxiety, panic disorders, seizures, and muscle relaxation, and Lorazepam is also used for alcohol withdrawal symptoms.
• ⚠️ Common side effects include respiratory depression, hypotension, constipation, sedation, and dry mouth. Think 'benzos, think low and slow.'
• 🚶‍♂️ Patient education includes changing positions slowly to avoid dizziness, avoiding alcohol and other CNS depressants, and not stopping the medication abruptly due to the risk of dependence.
• ⏳ Benzodiazepines are not intended for long-term use because they can lead to tolerance and dependence.
• 👩‍⚕️ Nurses should monitor vital signs, especially respiratory rate, and be cautious of mental status changes and fall risks due to dizziness.
• 💉 The antidote for benzodiazepine overdose is flumazenil, which can reverse severe respiratory depression.
• 📚 Key reminders: Monitor for respiratory depression, Lorazepam is used in alcohol withdrawal protocols, and the antidote is flumazenil.

Q & A

What are benzodiazepines commonly referred to as?

Benzodiazepines are commonly referred to as anxiolytics or antianxiety agents because they relieve anxiety.

How can you easily identify benzodiazepines by their names?

Benzodiazepines can be easily recognized by their suffixes, which are '-zepam' and '-zolam'. Examples include Alprazolam (Xanax), Lorazepam (Ativan), Diazepam (Valium), and Clonazepam (Klonopin).

What is the mechanism of action for benzodiazepines?

Benzodiazepines bind to GABA receptors in the brain. GABA is an inhibitory neurotransmitter that slows brain activity. When benzodiazepines bind to GABA receptors, they enhance GABA's inhibitory actions, resulting in a calming effect and central nervous system depression.

What are the common uses of benzodiazepines?

Benzodiazepines are most commonly used for anxiety and panic disorders. They are also used to ease muscle tension, treat seizure activity, and assist with alcohol withdrawal symptoms, particularly Lorazepam (Ativan).

What is a helpful memory trick to remember Lorazepam's use?

A memory trick to remember Lorazepam's use is 'Ativan, think Alcohol withdrawal,' since it is often used for symptoms of alcohol dependence and withdrawal.

What are the major side effects of benzodiazepines?

Major side effects include decreased respiratory rate (bradypnea), respiratory depression, hypotension (low blood pressure), constipation, sedation, and dry mouth. These effects result from the drug's depressive action on the central nervous system.

What patient education should be provided when prescribing benzodiazepines?

Patients should be educated to change positions slowly to avoid dizziness, avoid driving or operating heavy machinery, refrain from alcohol or other CNS depressants, and not abruptly stop the medication as it must be tapered to avoid withdrawal symptoms.

Why should benzodiazepines not be used for long-term treatment?

Benzodiazepines should not be used for long-term treatment because prolonged use can lead to tolerance, dependence, and withdrawal symptoms upon stopping the medication.

What nursing considerations are important when administering benzodiazepines?

Nurses should monitor the patient's respiratory rate for signs of respiratory depression, assess for mental status changes such as confusion, implement fall risk precautions due to dizziness, and be aware of the antidote, flumazenil, in case of overdose or severe respiratory depression.

What is the antidote for benzodiazepine overdose?

The antidote for benzodiazepine overdose is flumazenil. A memory trick to remember this is 'I FLU fast in my Mercedes BENZ,' referring to benzodiazepines.