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Related Concept Videos

CNS Depressants: Barbiturates and Benzodiazepines01:14

CNS Depressants: Barbiturates and Benzodiazepines

CNS depressants include drugs from the category of barbiturates and benzodiazepines. They are valuable medications for managing anxiety disorders and insomnia. Barbiturates, once used to induce and maintain sleep, have been replaced mainly by benzodiazepines due to barbiturate's toxicity, tolerance, and overdose risks. They interact with GABAA receptors, leading to sedation at low doses and potentially coma and death at higher doses. Phenobarbital, a long-acting barbiturate, possesses...
Anxiolytic Drugs: Benzodiazepines and Buspirone01:29

Anxiolytic Drugs: Benzodiazepines and Buspirone

Benzodiazepines are a class of anxiolytic drugs known for their rapid efficacy and high therapeutic-to-lethal dose ratio, but with a potential risk of drug dependence. These drugs are lipophilic, allowing for rapid absorption after oral administration, eventually reaching the central nervous system (CNS). Once in the CNS, benzodiazepines bind to the allosteric site of the GABAA receptor. This binding enhances the inhibitory effects of the neurotransmitter GABA. By doing so, they prevent...
Sedatives and Hypnotics Drugs: Benzodiazepines01:19

Sedatives and Hypnotics Drugs: Benzodiazepines

Benzodiazepines have both sedative and hypnotic properties. They include compounds such as diazepam (Valium) and alprazolam (Xanax). Structurally, their cores are similar, consisting of the fusion of a benzene ring and a diazepine ring, but they share a common mechanism of action in the central nervous system (CNS).
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...
Sedatives and Hypnotics Drugs: Miscellaneous Agents01:17

Sedatives and Hypnotics Drugs: Miscellaneous Agents

Sedatives and hypnotics encompass a wide range of substances, each with its unique mechanism of action, uses, and potential adverse effects.
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...
Substance Use Disorders Affecting Sleep01:24

Substance Use Disorders Affecting Sleep

Substance use disorders involve a pattern of using drugs more extensively than intended and continuing use despite harmful consequences. This includes legal substances like alcohol and nicotine, as well as illegal drugs. These disorders often involve both physical and psychological dependence, reflecting compulsive use of substances that significantly alter thoughts, feelings, and behaviors, contributing to a major public health issue.
Understanding the concepts of physical dependence,...
Depressants01:28

Depressants

Depressant drugs, including alcohol and sedative-hypnotics, diminish central nervous system activity by enhancing the action of gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA), a neurotransmitter that reduces brain activity and promotes relaxation. These substances can have various therapeutic uses but also pose significant risks, especially when misused or combined.
Alcohol is a common depressant that can induce a sense of relaxation and reduced inhibition at low doses. Contrary to its occasional...

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Related Experiment Video

Updated: Jun 9, 2026

Testing Animal Anxiety in Rats: Effects of Open Arm Ledges and Closed Arm Wall Transparency in Elevated Plus Maze Test
07:54

Testing Animal Anxiety in Rats: Effects of Open Arm Ledges and Closed Arm Wall Transparency in Elevated Plus Maze Test

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Alprazolam dependence in seven patients.

S M Juergens1, R M Morse

  • 1Department of Psychiatry and Psychology, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, MN 55905.

The American Journal of Psychiatry
|May 1, 1988
PubMed
Summary

This study found that seven patients developed psychoactive substance (alprazolam) dependence, experiencing withdrawal and tolerance. Many faced social impairment, highlighting the risks of alprazolam prescriptions.

Area of Science:

  • Psychiatry
  • Pharmacology
  • Addiction Medicine

Background:

  • Alprazolam is frequently prescribed for anxiety and depression.
  • Assessing the potential for psychoactive substance dependence is crucial for patient safety.

Observation:

  • Seven patients meeting DSM-III-R criteria for psychoactive substance dependence were identified.
  • All patients experienced withdrawal symptoms, and six showed tolerance to alprazolam.
  • At least four patients exhibited significant social or occupational impairment due to alprazolam use.

Findings:

  • Patients initiated alprazolam for anxiety or depression, with doses ranging from 2-12 mg/day over 6 months to 3 years.
  • Co-occurring or past abuse of other substances was noted in six patients.
  • The study highlights a clear link between therapeutic alprazolam use and subsequent dependence.

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Implications:

  • Clinicians should carefully consider the risk of alprazolam dependence, especially in patients with a history of substance abuse.
  • Further research into the long-term effects and dependence potential of benzodiazepines like alprazolam is warranted.
  • Patient monitoring and alternative treatment strategies may be necessary to mitigate risks associated with alprazolam therapy.