Question

write an essay on
gabapentin
baclofen
diazepam

Answer 1

Gabapentin

It is an antiepileptic drug used in the treatment of seizures and some types of pain mainly neuropathic pain. The mechanism of anticonvulsant action is unknown. It does not bind to GABA receptor but affect GABA reuptake or metabolism or act as a precursor of GABA or other substances active at GABA receptors.

Mechanism of its analgesic action is also unknown. It reduces the pain related response and inflammation.

The bioavailability of gabapentin is around 50%. It readily crosses the blood brain barrier and accumulates in the tissues of the brain. It is secreted through milk also. It is excreted in unchanged form through kidney. Its half life is 5 to 7 hours.

Baclofen

Baclofen is a skeletal muscle relaxant drug used as antispasmodic agent. It is indicated in the treatment of muscle spasm, pain, stiffness. It can be administered intrathecally or orally.

It should not be recommended to the patient who need muscle tone for safe movement during certain activities. It also produces withdrawal symptoms, so it should not be stopped suddenly.

The side effects of baclofen are weak or shallow breathing, confusion, hallucinations, convulsions, drowsiness, dizziness, weakness, tired feeling, headache, insomnia, nausea, constipation, high urination etc.

The exact mechanism of action is not fully known. It involved in the inhibition of both monosynaptic and polysynaptic reflexes at the spinal level. It produces its effects by activating the GABA_B receptor.

Diazepam

Diazepam is a benzodiazepin drug generally used to treat anxiety disorders, alcohol withdrawal symptoms and muscle spasm, convulsion. It is also used as sedative/hypnotic drug and a muscle relaxant drug.

Diazepam binds to specific receptor in the CNS and causes and inhibitory effect of the neurotransmitter gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA).

The side effects of diazepam are severe drowsiness, mood depression, confusion, halucinations, agitation, risk taking behavior, trouble in sleeping, muscle weakness, loss of co-ordination.