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Related Concept Videos

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...
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...
Sedatives and Hypnotics: Overview01:23

Sedatives and Hypnotics: Overview

Sedatives are drugs that alleviate anxiety, while hypnotics induce sleep. Both classes of medication suppress neuronal activity, leading to a calming effect for sedatives and facilitating sleep for hypnotics.
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...
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: Barbiturates01:20

Sedatives and Hypnotics Drugs: Barbiturates

Sedatives and hypnotics encompass a drug class that acts on the central nervous system (CNS) to alleviate anxiety, promote relaxation and induce sleep.These drugs function by amplifying the actions of the neurotransmitter γ-aminobutyric acid (GABA), resulting in reduced neuronal activity. Barbiturates, a subset of sedatives and hypnotics first synthesized in the late 1800s, are categorized into ultra-short, short, intermediate, and long-acting groups based on their duration of effect. A key...
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...

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Related Experiment Video

Updated: May 28, 2026

Drug-Induced Sleep Endoscopy (DISE) with Target Controlled Infusion (TCI) and Bispectral Analysis in Obstructive Sleep Apnea
07:54

Drug-Induced Sleep Endoscopy (DISE) with Target Controlled Infusion (TCI) and Bispectral Analysis in Obstructive Sleep Apnea

Published on: December 6, 2016

Rational Use of Benzodiazepines in Modern Healthcare: Evidence-Based Strategies.

Janko Samardžić1, Neha Tandon1, Milica Branković1

  • 1Institute of Pharmacology, Clinical Pharmacology and Toxicology, Medical Faculty, University of Belgrade, 11000 Belgrade, Serbia.

Healthcare (Basel, Switzerland)
|May 27, 2026
PubMed
Summary

Benzodiazepine (BZD) use is rising, with many patients exceeding recommended durations, increasing risks. Safer prescribing involves short-term use, alternative treatments, and careful patient management.

Keywords:
anxietybenzodiazepinesdependencegeriatric pharmacologyinsomniaprecision medicinerational prescribing

Related Experiment Videos

Last Updated: May 28, 2026

Drug-Induced Sleep Endoscopy (DISE) with Target Controlled Infusion (TCI) and Bispectral Analysis in Obstructive Sleep Apnea
07:54

Drug-Induced Sleep Endoscopy (DISE) with Target Controlled Infusion (TCI) and Bispectral Analysis in Obstructive Sleep Apnea

Published on: December 6, 2016

Area of Science:

  • Pharmacology
  • Psychiatry
  • Public Health

Background:

  • Benzodiazepines (BZDs) are widely prescribed for anxiety and insomnia.
  • Prolonged BZD use and dependence are growing public health concerns.
  • Current BZD use patterns often exceed recommended short-term durations.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To review evidence-based strategies for improving benzodiazepine prescribing practices.
  • To highlight risks associated with long-term benzodiazepine use.
  • To emphasize safer alternatives and patient management.

Main Methods:

  • Literature review of current prescribing guidelines and studies on BZD use.
  • Analysis of risks associated with prolonged benzodiazepine therapy.
  • Synthesis of recommendations for rational prescribing.

Main Results:

  • Up to 35.8% of patients continue BZD therapy beyond three months.
  • Over 5% of the general population exhibits long-term BZD use.
  • SSRIs and SNRIs are recommended as first-line treatments for anxiety disorders.

Conclusions:

  • Benzodiazepine use should be limited to 2-4 weeks for severe anxiety or insomnia.
  • Prescribing practices must prioritize individualized assessment, minimal dosing, and gradual withdrawal.
  • Enhanced regulatory oversight and psychotherapy access are crucial for safer BZD management.