Which medication classification used in the treatment of panic disorder can cause physical dependence?
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What are benzodiazepines, and how do they work?Benzodiazepines are a class of drugs primarily used for treating anxiety, but they also are effective in treating several other conditions. The exact mechanism of action of benzodiazepines is not known, but they appear to work by affecting neurotransmitters in the brain, chemicals that nerves release in order to communicate with other nearby nerves. One of these neurotransmitters is gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA), a neurotransmitter that suppresses the activity of nerves. Scientists believe that excessive activity of nerves may be the cause of anxiety and other psychological disorders, and benzodiazepines reduce the activity of nerves in the brain and spinal cord by enhancing the effects of GABA. For what conditions are benzodiazepines used?Benzodiazepines are used for treating:
They also are used for:
SLIDESHOWAnxiety Disorder Pictures: Symptoms, Panic Attacks, and More with Pictures See SlideshowAre there differences between benzodiazepines?Benzodiazepines differ in how quickly they start working, how long they continue to work, and for what they are most commonly prescribed.
Although most benzodiazepines are used interchangeably, some are most commonly used for certain conditions.
What are the side effects of benzodiazepines?The most common side effects associated with benzodiazepines are:
Other side effects include:
All benzodiazepines can cause physical dependence. Suddenly stopping therapy after a few months of daily therapy may be associated with withdrawal symptoms which include a feeling of loss of self-worth, agitation, and insomnia. If benzodiazepines are taken continuously for longer than a few months, stopping therapy suddenly may produce seizures, tremors, muscle cramping, vomiting, and sweating. In order to avoid withdrawal symptoms, the dose of benzodiazepines should be tapered slowly. With which drugs do benzodiazepines interact?All benzodiazepines cause excessive sedation when combined with other medications that slow the brain's processes (for example, alcohol, barbiturates, narcotics, and tranquilizers).
 QUESTIONPanic attacks are repeated attacks of fear that can last for several minutes. See AnswerWhat are some examples of benzodiazepines?Approved benzodiazepines in the United States include:
What are the dangers of benzodiazepine addiction?Two serious concerns of benzodiazepine therapy are
Although intentional abuse of prescription benzodiazepines is relatively uncommon in the general population, it should be used more cautiously in individuals with a history of drug abuse as they are at the greatest risk for seeking benzodiazepines to experience a "high."
Abusers are at higher risk for side effects including
Benzodiazepine addicts also have a higher risk of developing dementia, an illness affecting the brain that causes gradual memory loss and problems with language and motor skills, in the long term. The dangers of benzodiazepine addiction are many. Fatal cases of overdose have been reported with the use of benzodiazepines.
What are the dangers of benzodiazepine withdrawal?When benzodiazepine treatment is stopped abruptly, patients may develop withdrawal symptoms. Factors that increase the risk and severity of withdrawal symptoms include high doses and long-term benzodiazepine use. Additionally, withdrawal symptoms tend to occur earlier with benzodiazepines with short elimination half-lives. Common symptoms of benzodiazepine withdrawal include
Less commonly, patients may also experience
In rare cases,
The risk of withdrawal seizures is higher with a high benzodiazepine dose, long treatment duration, and concurrent use of medications that lower the seizure threshold. Prompt recognition and treatment of benzodiazepine withdrawal are crucial as this condition may be life-threatening. Benzodiazepine withdrawal is treated with intravenous (injected into the vein) benzodiazepines such as diazepam (Valium) which tend to work over a longer period of time. From References REFERENCES: Clinical Pharmacology [database online]. Tampa, FL: Gold Standard, Inc.; 2009. DiPiro et al. Pharmacotherapy: A Pathophysiologic Approach, 9th edition. Chapter 53: Anxiety Disorders I; Generalized Anxiety, Panic, and Social Anxiety Disorders. Access Pharmacy [online]. DiPiro et al. Pharmacotherapy: A Pathophysiologic Approach, 9th edition. Chapter 48: Substance-Related Disorders I; Over and Depressants, Stimulants, and Hallucinogens. Access Pharmacy [online]. Greller H et al. Benzodiazepine poisoning and withdrawal. UpToDate. Last updated Oct 30, 2014. Hoffman, Robert S., et al. "Antidotes in Depth." Goldfrank's Toxicologic Emergencies, 10e. Eds. Robert S. Hoffman, et al. New York, NY: McGraw-Hill, 2015. n. pag. AccessPharmacy. Web. 21 Feb. 2015. Mihic, S. John, and R. Adron Harris. "Chapter 17. Hypnotics and Sedatives." Goodman & Gilman's The Pharmacological Basis of Therapeutics, 12e. Eds. Laurence L. Brunton, et al. New York, NY: McGraw-Hill, 2011. n. pag. AccessPharmacy. Web. 21 Feb. 2015. Which category of medication used to treat anxiety has a potential for dependence?When used appropriately, benzodiazepines are safe and effective drugs. They do, however, have potential for abuse and can be addictive.
What is the classification of panic disorder?Panic disorder is classified as an anxiety disorder in DSM-5. According to the guidelines, in order to be diagnosed with a panic disorder, you must experience unexpected panic attacks on a regular basis.
Which drug used to treat anxiety has been known to lead to psychological and physical dependence if used regularly over time?Benzodiazepines for anxiety
However, they are physically addictive and not recommended for long-term treatment. Benzodiazepines work by slowing down the nervous system, helping you relax both physically and mentally. But it can also lead to unwanted side effects.
What are 3 treatments for panic disorder?Panic disorder is generally treated with psychotherapy (sometimes called “talk therapy”), medication, or both. Speak with a health care provider about the best treatment for you.
Which drug classes are used to treat patients with anxiety disorders?Four major classes of medications are used in the treatment of anxiety disorders:. Selective Serotonin Reuptake Inhibitors (SSRIs) ... . Serotonin-Norepinephrine Reuptake Inhibitors (SNRIs) ... . Benzodiazepines. ... . Tricyclic Antidepressants. ... . Ketamine (Eskatimine). Which is the most common drug class used to treat anxiety disorders?The most prominent of anti-anxiety drugs for the purpose of immediate relief are those known as benzodiazepines; among them are alprazolam (Xanax), clonazepam (Klonopin), chlordiazepoxide (Librium), diazepam (Valium), and lorazepam (Ativan).
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