Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jul 20, 2026

Behavioral Characterization of Pentylenetetrazole-induced Seizures: Moving Beyond the Racine Scale
Published on: July 8, 2025
[Benzodiazepines in the treatment of catatonia]
A N Van Dalfsen1, F Van Den Eede, B Van Den Bossche
1Universitair Ziekenhuis Antwerpen.
Abstract:
A patient who developed acute catatonia during benzodiazepine withdrawal is discussed. The case prompted us to review the literature on the role of benzodiazepines in the treatment of acute catatonia. Only retrospective and open studies were found which indicate that benzodiazepines do have a beneficial effect. Lorazepam is the most widely studied benzodiazepine and at present is the best treatment option. In the specific case of acute catatonia brought on by benzodiazepine withdrawal the recommended dosage is the same as for acute catatonia caused by something other than benzodiazepine withdrawal.
Related Concept Videos
Sedatives and Hypnotics Drugs: Benzodiazepines
Benzodiazepines work by enhancing the effects of the inhibitory neurotransmitter GABA. They bind to the GABAA receptor, increasing its affinity for GABA, which opens chloride...
Anxiolytic Drugs: Benzodiazepines and Buspirone
CNS Depressants: Barbiturates and Benzodiazepines
Anxiolytic Drugs: Overview
Primary Types of Anxiolytic Drugs
1. Benzodiazepines:
Benzodiazepines bind to the GABA-A receptor in the brain, enhancing GABA's interaction. This action reduces neurotransmission, effectively blocking anxiety-associated limbic circuitry.
Sedatives and Hypnotics Drugs: Miscellaneous Agents
Melatonin congeners like ramelteon (Rozerem) and tasimelteon (Hetlioz) selectively bind to melatonin receptors (MT1 and MT2) and thus mimic the actions of melatonin, a hormone that regulates sleep-wake cycles. Tasimelteon is primarily used for non-24-hour sleep-wake disorder, common in blind patients. They are also used to treat conditions like insomnia...
Sedatives and Hypnotics: Overview
Sedative-hypnotics are categorized into barbiturates, benzodiazepines (BZDs), and non-benzodiazepines or Z-drugs. These drugs work by suppressing central nervous system activity, and this suppression is dose-dependent. Older sedative medications, like barbiturates, follow a linear curve in...