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Lesson 5: Benzodiazepines and Other Anxiolytic Drugs |
| Introduction:
Benzodiazepines and newer anxiolytic drugs are one of the
most commonly used group of drugs. Initially they were used as an
alternative to the barbiturates due to their safety properties.
However, it was their anti-anxiety properties that made them extremely popular
with physicians. Drugs like Valium became the most used prescribed medication in the
world. It was so popular that the Rolling Stones made a song about it
(Mothers Little Helper).
The downside of the Benzodiazepines were their addictive properties.
Consequently, as newer medications have been developed for the treatment of
anxiety (e.g., SSRI's), the popularity of the Benzodiazepines has decreased.
One popular illicit benzodiazepine is Flunitrazepam or
Rohypnol. It is commonly known as Roofies, Rophies, Rope, and
other names. While it acts like a classic benzodiazepine, it is
commonly used as a date rape drug when combined with alcohol because of its
lack of detect ability in solution and ability to affect willpower.
Currently, it can only be legally purchased in Europe or Latin America.
Outcomes:
After completing this lesson you should understand / be
able to:
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Understand how benzodiazepines impact various
receptors
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Understand how benzodiazepines impact behavior
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Understand side effects of Benzodiazepines
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Objectives:
| Allow you to understand the importance of
Benzodiazepines and how they impact behavior |
KSAs
| 3.
Describe the behavioral, psychological, physical health and
social effects of
psychoactive drugs including alcohol and tobacco
on the consumer and
significant others.
4. Recognize the potential for substance use disorders to mimic
a variety of
medical and psychological disorders and the potential
for medical and
psychological disorders to co-exist with addiction
and substance abuse.
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102. Describe warning signs, symptoms,
and the course of substance use disorders.
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Some Important Terms:
| GABA receptor |
| Valium, Librium, and others |
| Anxiolytic |
| Versed |
| Active intermediate |
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