Motivation and emotion/Book/2019/Anti-anxiety drugs
What are anti-anxiety drugs, how do they work, and how effective are they?
Overview
edit There are many ways to treat anxiety. One way is with medication. Benzodiazepines are an anti-anxiety medication that can either have a short acting life or a long acting life. 1 in 7 Australians are currently experiencing an anxiety condition[1]. It's important to understand the benefits of Benzodiazepines, how effective they are and how they work
The brain and anxiety
editThe emotional processing part of our brains is referred to as the Limbic[2].
system. The limbic cortex integrates sensory, effective and cognitive components of pain and processing information regarding the body's internal stateIn the limbic system, the hippocampus has control over the hypothalamic stress response system and the amygdala is responsible for the expression of fear and aggression as well as defensive behaviour. It also has a role in formatting and retrieving fear related memories. The general role of the thalamus is to control aspects of alertness and consciousness.[3]
Anxiety is said to occur when there are changes in this
system. Patients with anxiety disorders have more activity in the brain than normal in the limbic system .In panic disorders: Amygdala hyperactivity may be caused by less GABA
In Generalised anxiety disorder: Larger amygdala and less controls so the brain processes more fear and react stronger to that.
In social anxiety: more stimuli can lead to extra activity in the amygdala. [4]
Anti Anxiety drugs
editThere are many types of drugs that can be used to manage anxiety related disorders. They each target specific areas of the brain and work slightly differently, but all having the ability to help manage anxiety related issues. These drugs aren't specific to anxiety disorders and are used for other disorders including, but not limited to depression, insomnia, PTSD, bulimia and borderline personality disorder (BPD). These types of drugs include:
- Selective Serotonin Reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs)[5], Increases level of serotonin
- Serotonin Norepinephrine Reuptake inhibitors (SNRIs)[6]Blocking reuptake of serotonin and norepinephrine back into the nerve cells that release them, which increases the levels of active neurotransmitters in the brain[7]
- Beta blockers[8]Used for the physical symptoms of anxiety. They prevent adrenaline, stress hormones, relax blood vessels[9]
- Tricyclic antidepressants (TCA)[10]Same effects as SNRI's
- Monoamine oxidase inhibitors (MAOs)[11] Balance neurotransmitters[12]
Although the drugs listed above are able to help manage anxiety, a specific type of drug called benzodiazepine is classified as an Anti-anxiety (Anxiolytic) drug.
Benzodiazepine is a depressant drug which means they slow down the activity of the central nervous system (CNS), meaning they are also classified as a CNS drug/depressant. They are a mild tranquilliser and are most commonly given to relieve stress and anxiety and to help with sleep (insomnia)[13].
Benzodiazepine
edit
History of Benzodiazepine
editBenzodiazepine have been known to be a controversial drug due to the high risk of addiction and dependency, But compared to previous medications that create the same effect, these are noted to be safer.
Opiates[14] and Barbiturates[15] were first used as medication for anxiety, but due the high addiction rate, it was apparent that other forms of medication needed to be developed and identified that were safer and less risk for patients. In the Late 1950's the first form of benzodiazepine known as chlordiazepoxide (Librium) was identified at Hoffmann-La Roche by Leo Sternbach.[16]
By the 1960's[17] This was an upgraded version of Chlordiazepoxide. These drugs became popular which helped expand the Hoffmann-La Roche empire and further pushed other companies to create other forms of Benzodiazepine.[18]
this drug was marketed and further modifications were done to enhance the activity of the drug. Then in 1963 Valium, now known as Diazepam, was invented.How they work
editAll forms of Benzodiazepine affect key neurotransmitters in the brain called Gamma Aminobutyric Acid (GABA) receptor. GABA is [19]. As benzodiazepine is used, it causes a sedating type effect and lowers somatic symptoms like muscle tension[20]. Essentially benzodiazepine works by increasing the effects of GABA[21] as well as the efficiency of synaptic transmission of the neurotransmitters by acting on the GABA receptors[22].
most common neurotransmitter in the Central nervous system (CNS) which has high concentration in the cortex and limbic systemA video link[23] demonstrated how Benzodiazepine works on the GABA receptor.
Benzodiazepine relaxes muscles and tension, induces sleep and presents a calming effect overall. It is also known as a horse tranquilliser.
Effectiveness
editSome of the main forms of Benzodiazepines are listed in the table below as well as the effectiveness, type of acting, and structure.
Drug name | type of acting | Structure |
Alprazolam | Short acting.
|
|
Diazepam | Long acting
Diazepam has a longer relief time. This medication is often used to control muscle spasms, seizures and tremors from alcohol withdrawal symptoms[25]. |
|
Lorazepam | Short acting
Lorazepam is known to work well for insomnia or trouble sleeping related to anxiety disorders[26] |
|
Oxazepam | Short acting
Works well for alcohol withdrawal, trembling and confusion. It is also used people who are not able to stay asleep[27] |
|
Clobazam | Long acting
Studies show the benefits of clobazam and the significant improvement for patients with anxiety[28] |
There are slightly different risks associated between short acting and long acting benzodiazepine, but share many of the same characteristics. Both types seem to have similar withdrawal symptoms such as anxiety and sleep[29].
As long as there is the drugs present in the body, the effects and symptoms will persist. Due to the nature of benzodiazepine the main general effects include:
- Drowsiness
- Impaired coordination
- Confusion
- Drug interactions
- Altered mood
- Memory loss
- Dependency
- Unable to feel high and low emotions
- depression
Over time, the higher the dosage and longer time using benzodiazepine means there is a greater risk of addiction and dependency[30]. Its important to manage anxiety, but its also important to not create other psychological and physical disorders in the process such as addiction. Using Benzodiazepine in conjunction with other anxiety targeted therapies[31] show greater results rather than just medication type therapy.
Drug wheel facts. Know the different types of drugs and effects
Addiction and misuse
editWhen benzodiazepine drugs are abused, it is often in conjunction with other forms of drugs such as alcohol and/or opiates[32]. The use of benzodiazepine and opiates combined further sedate someone and can lead to health risks such as decreased cognitive function and suppressed breathing[33].
They are also commonly abused because of the calming and relaxed effect they have on the body as well as the toxic effect. They are also easily available making it easy to abuse and also get addicted to[34].
The three main risk factors are 1) when people are already predisposed to or have a history of substance abuse, 2) have other psychiatric disorders which can impact the outcome benzodiazepine has and 3) the risk of recreational use. Often when used in a recreational way, other forms of drugs are used as well to create more of an effect, which can also lead to serious everlasting cognitive and physical impairment and death.
Benzodiazepine have been idolised within the music industry for many decades. Songs such as Mother's little helper by The rolling stones[35] and artists naming themselves after the popular drug 'xanax' like "lil Xan"[36] have further pushed these drugs into the public eye and further emphasised these types of drugs.
We see in a list that there have been many deaths due to accidental overdoses of these types of drugs because they were used as recreational and used with other forms of drugs. The combination of xanax and fentanyl caused the death of artist Lil peep[37] and the combination of anti-anxiety drugs with alcohol caused reality television personality Bobbi Kristina brown[38] death.
Although deaths like these shouldn't happen, it stresses the impact of the misuse of drugs such as benzodiazepine. It also promotes awareness of what could happen no matter the cultural background of life you have build up. The position someone is in their life doesn't change the fact that anyone misusing drugs can be impacted.
Quiz
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Medical uses for Anti-anxiety drugs
editAnti-anxiety drugs such as Benzodiazepine can be used for a number of different diagnoses. This can go from the use on anxiety, to insomnia and for alcohol abuse.
The main use of anti-anxiety drugs is for anxiety related disorders. According to the DSM[39], anxiety is excessive fear and anxiety related behavioural disturbances. Fear is the emotional response to real or perceived threat, where as anxiety is anticipation of future threat. Anxiety disorders are categorised by distress that can interfere in someone's life.
There are 5 major types of anxiety disorders but also included in the DSM-5 is seperation anxiety disorder[40] and Selective Mutism.
In social anxiety, it is sought[41]
that being presented with more stimuli can lead to extra activity in the amygdala (Processing social situations with a layer of fear, making those environments stressful). The use of benzodiazepine in this form of anxiety helps people with avoidance of people and stressful situationsAgoraphobia (fear and avoidance of specific places or situations that cause panic) and panic disorders may be caused by less GABA receptors in the brain[42].
. This may cause less inhibitory signaling in the emotion circuit which can lead to more panic. Due to the effects benzodiazepine have on GABA receptors and the calming and relaxing effect these drugs have, the use of benzodiazepine is effective in treating sudden panicsIn alcohol withdrawal, symptoms can include anxiety, irritability and seizures. The effects of long term alcohol in the brain include the decrease in GABA levels and sensitivity. GABA becomes less responsive. This can then lead to an imbalance in the limbic system as well as in the central nervous system. Benzodiazepine stimulates the GABA receptors and increases GABA. It can also produce effects of reducing harsh withdrawal symptoms such as seizures[43].
Conclusion
editBenzodiazepines are a versatile drug that can not only help manage anxiety disorders, but also help manage alcohol withdrawal symptoms and insomnia. Although there is the chance of dependency and addiction, it's important to understand any substance is able to have that effect. The way in which our limbic system changes depends on the types of drugs we use. Benzodiazepine focus on the GABA receptor and also have an effect on the limbic system.
The use of Benzodiazepine is well known from a psychiatric perspective and its becoming more noted in other industries such as the music industry
. It's important to understand using drugs properly for the right reasons is important and that the misuse of drugs can have major effects on lives.See also
editReferences
edit
- ↑ ABS National Survey of Mental Health and Wellbeing: Summary of Results, 2007 (2008), p 28
- ↑ Martin, Elizabeth I.; Ressler, Kerry J.; Binder, Elisabeth; Nemeroff, Charles B. (2009-9). "The Neurobiology of Anxiety Disorders: Brain Imaging, Genetics, and Psychoneuroendocrinology". The Psychiatric clinics of North America 32 (3): 549–575. doi:10.1016/j.psc.2009.05.004. ISSN 0193-953X. PMID 19716990. PMC 3684250. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3684250/.
- ↑ "Thalamus". Wikipedia. 2019-09-07. https://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=Thalamus&oldid=914522371.
- ↑ Martin, Elizabeth I.; Ressler, Kerry J.; Binder, Elisabeth; Nemeroff, Charles B. (2009-9). "The Neurobiology of Anxiety Disorders: Brain Imaging, Genetics, and Psychoneuroendocrinology". The Psychiatric clinics of North America 32 (3): 549–575. doi:10.1016/j.psc.2009.05.004. ISSN 0193-953X. PMID 19716990. PMC 3684250. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3684250/.
- ↑ "Selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor". Wikipedia. 2019-10-26. https://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=Selective_serotonin_reuptake_inhibitor&oldid=923125747.
- ↑ "Serotonin–norepinephrine reuptake inhibitor". Wikipedia. 2019-10-25. https://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=Serotonin%E2%80%93norepinephrine_reuptake_inhibitor&oldid=922933709.
- ↑ "Helpful for chronic pain in addition to depression". Mayo Clinic. Retrieved 2019-10-28.
- ↑ Melinda. "Anxiety Medication - HelpGuide.org". www.helpguide.org. Retrieved 2019-10-28.
- ↑ "Beta-Blockers for Anxiety: Benefits, Side Effects, and Risks". Healthline. Retrieved 2019-10-28.
- ↑ "Tricyclic antidepressant". Wikipedia. 2019-08-20. https://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=Tricyclic_antidepressant&oldid=911689892.
- ↑ "Monoamine oxidase inhibitor". Wikipedia. 2019-09-23. https://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=Monoamine_oxidase_inhibitor&oldid=917407130.
- ↑ "Monoamine Oxidase Inhibitors (MAOIs) for Social Anxiety Disorder". www.cardiosmart.org. Retrieved 2019-10-28.
- ↑ https://www.aafp.org/afp/2000/1001/p1591.html
- ↑ "Opiate". Wikipedia. 2019-10-28. https://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=Opiate&oldid=923362642.
- ↑ "Barbiturate". Wikipedia. 2019-10-17. https://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=Barbiturate&oldid=921711303.
- ↑ Wick, Jeannette (2013-09-01). "The History of Benzodiazepines". www.ingentaconnect.com. Retrieved 2019-10-28.
- ↑ "Mother's Little Helper: A brief history of benzodiazepines". Mother’s Little Helper: A brief history of benzodiazepines. Retrieved 2019-10-28.
- ↑ "Diazepam". Wikipedia. 2019-10-13. https://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=Diazepam&oldid=921016634.
- ↑ Griffin, Charles E.; Kaye, Adam M.; Bueno, Franklin Rivera; Kaye, Alan D. (2013). "Benzodiazepine Pharmacology and Central Nervous System–Mediated Effects". The Ochsner Journal 13 (2): 214–223. ISSN 1524-5012. PMID 23789008. PMC 3684331. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3684331/.
- ↑ https://www.aafp.org/afp/2000/1001/p1591.html
- ↑ "About benzodiazepines | Mind, the mental health charity - help for mental health problems". www.mind.org.uk. Retrieved 2019-10-28.
- ↑ "THE BRAIN FROM TOP TO BOTTOM". thebrain.mcgill.ca. Retrieved 2019-10-28.
- ↑ "2-Minute Neuroscience: Benzodiazepines - YouTube". www.youtube.com. Retrieved 2019-10-28.
- ↑ "Drugs & Medications". www.webmd.com. Retrieved 2019-10-28.
- ↑ "Diazepam | Side Effects, Dosage, Uses & More". Healthline. Retrieved 2019-10-28.
- ↑ https://www.nami.org/Learn-More/Treatment/Mental-Health-Medications/Types-of-Medication/Lorazepam-(Ativan)
- ↑ "Oxazepam". Wikipedia. 2019-10-11. https://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=Oxazepam&oldid=920706006.
- ↑ Wallis, T. D.; Vallé-Jones, J. C.; Craven, J. R.; Hanks, G. W.; Stonier, P. D. (1979). "Single daily dose treatment of anxiety with clobazam or dipotassium clorazepate". British Journal of Clinical Pharmacology 7 Suppl 1: 123S–127S. doi:10.1111/j.1365-2125.1979.tb04679.x. ISSN 0306-5251. PMID 35192. PMC 1429503. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/35192.
- ↑ Burrows, G. D.; Norman, T. R.; Judd, F. K.; Marriott, P. F. (1990). "Short-acting versus long-acting benzodiazepines: discontinuation effects in panic disorders". Journal of Psychiatric Research 24 Suppl 2: 65–72. doi:10.1016/0022-3956(90)90037-q. ISSN 0022-3956. PMID 1980701. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/1980701.
- ↑ https://www.sahealth.sa.gov.au/wps/wcm/connect/7592c9004f50b005aba6ef330cda8a00/Risks+associated+with+benzodiazepines+%2800506%29+2017.pdf?MOD=AJPERES&CACHEID=ROOTWORKSPACE-7592c9004f50b005aba6ef330cda8a00-mMHuEqQ
- ↑ https://www.rotman-baycrest.on.ca/files/publicationmodule/@random45f5724eba2f8/JAffectDisord01_65.pdf
- ↑ Schmitz, Allison (2016-05-06). "Benzodiazepine use, misuse, and abuse: A review". The Mental Health Clinician 6 (3): 120–126. doi:10.9740/mhc.2016.05.120. ISSN 2168-9709. PMID 29955458. PMC 6007645. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC6007645/.
- ↑ Abuse, National Institute on Drug (2018-03-15). "Benzodiazepines and Opioids". www.drugabuse.gov. Retrieved 2019-10-28.
- ↑ "Benzodiazepine Abuse Basics". WebMD. Retrieved 2019-10-28.
- ↑ "Mother's Little Helper". Wikipedia. 2019-10-21. https://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=Mother%27s_Little_Helper&oldid=922298259.
- ↑ Haidari, Owain Anderson,Nilu (2018-03-21). "Xanny, Make It Go Away: How Benzos Infiltrated UK Music". Vice. Retrieved 2019-10-28.
{{cite web}}
: CS1 maint: multiple names: authors list (link) - ↑ Haidari, Owain Anderson,Nilu (2018-03-21). "Xanny, Make It Go Away: How Benzos Infiltrated UK Music". Vice. Retrieved 2019-10-28.
{{cite web}}
: CS1 maint: multiple names: authors list (link) - ↑ "Bobbi Kristina Brown". Wikipedia. 2019-10-28. https://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=Bobbi_Kristina_Brown&oldid=923376114.
- ↑ Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, Fourth Edition, Text Revision (DSM-IV-TR). 2000. doi:10.1176/appi.books.9780890423349. http://dx.doi.org/10.1176/appi.books.9780890423349.
- ↑ "Separation anxiety disorder: not just for kids". www.blackdoginstitute.org.au. Retrieved 2019-10-28.
- ↑ "Benzodiazepines - Medical treatments for Social Anxiety - e-couch Mental Health Information". ecouch.anu.edu.au. Retrieved 2019-10-28.
- ↑ Sheehan, D. V. (1987-9). "Benzodiazepines in panic disorder and agoraphobia". Journal of Affective Disorders 13 (2): 169–181. doi:10.1016/0165-0327(87)90021-8. ISSN 0165-0327. PMID 2890678. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/2890678.
- ↑ https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4606320/
External links
edit- ↑ BBC Benzo Documentary – Dangers of Benzodiazepines (Xanax, Ativan, Klonopin, Valium) 1987, retrieved 2019-10-28
- ↑ Scotland's Valium Crisis | Drugs Map of Britain, retrieved 2019-10-28