Question

Identify the three classes of medications used to treat anxiety and sleep disorders. (antidepressants, benzodiazepines, or barbiturates) used to treat anxiety and sleep disorders, and the effects of these medications on the brain and give examples of the medications. (Choose one medication out of each category)

Answer 1

ANXIETY AND SLEEP DISORDERS:

Often anxiety and related sleeping disorders are treatable with a) medication b) counselling c) therapy techniques and d) lifestyle changes. These techniques are being used to reduce anxiety levels and to induce sleep. Some people get better with therapy techniques but some needs medication to help them to concentrate better on the therapies. The different types of medications used to treat anxiety disorders are a) Antidepressants b) Benzodiazepines c) Buspirone d) Hydroxyzine and e) Beta-blockers.

ANTI-ANXIETY MEDICATIONS:

Anti-anxiety medications are used not to cures the disease but to reduce the symptoms ( fear, worry or panic attacks) of the disease in patients with anxiety. However, medication treatment for anxiety is generally safe and effective but the right choice of medication depends upon the a) type of anxiety disorder b) other health problems and c) current medications. Also, each medicines have their own benefits, risk factors and possible complications when often used.

ANTIDEPRESSANTS:

Selective Serotonin Reuptake Inhibitors (SSRIs) are the most commonly prescribed or it can also used as the first line treatment for anxiety disorders. These medications relieves symptoms by blocking the reabsorption, or reuptake, of serotonin by certain nerve cells in the brain. This leaves more serotonin available, which enhances neurotransmission ( sending of nerve impulses) and also improves mood. SSRIs are selective for treatment of anxiety because the affect only serotonin and not other neurotransmitters. The commonly used antidepressants of SSRIs are Prozac ( fluoxetine), Celexa ( citalopram and Zoloft (sertraline). The main side effects of this medications are a) Nausea b) Nervousness or restlessness c) Dizziness d) reduced sexual desire e) insomnia f) headache g) dry mouth and h) diarrhea.

BENZODIAZEPINES:

These medications are used to treat anxiety for a short period of time because long term usage can cause drug addiction. This medicine works quickly, relieves anxiety by enhancing the activity of a neurotransmitter in the brain and also generates a sedative effect. It a) promotes relaxation b) reduces muscular tension and c) other physical symptoms of anxiety. For instance, Valium ( diazepam), Xanax ( alprazolam) and Klonopin ( clonazepam).The side effects includes a) Drowsiness b) Dizziness c) Nausea d) Blurred vision e) Headache f) Confusion g) Tiredness and h) Nightmares.

BARBITURATES:

A barbiturate is a drug that act as a central nervous system depressants and also has an effect on mild sedation and are extremely dangerous to use because of 3 factors. They are a) slight overdose can lead to coma or death b) drug addiction and c) cause a life-threatening withdrawal syndromes. These medicines due to the sedative-hypnotic effect induces sleep by reducing the anxiety levels. The other pharmacological action of barbiturates include depressing nerve activity in the cardiac, smooth and skeletal muscles. The commonly used medications are a) Amobarbital ( sodium amytal) b) Butalbital. These medicines are no longer used in treatment regimen of anxiety and insomnia due to lack of safety and drug antedote for overuse and have largely replaced to Benzodiazepines in most medical uses.