Antianxiety Agents (Anxiolytics)
Antianxiety Agents (Anxiolytics)
- Also referred to as minor tranquilizers
Clinical indications
- Anxiety disorders, anxiety symptoms, acute alcohol withdrawal, skeletal muscle spasms, convulsive disorders, status epilepticus, and preoperative sedation
Medication action
- Depression of the central nervous system (C N S; exception: buspirone)
Interactions
- Increased effects when taken with alcohol, barbiturates, narcotics, antipsychotics, antidepressants, antihistamines, neuromuscular blocking agents, cimetidine, disulfiram, or herbal depressants
- Decreased effects with cigarette smoking and caffeine consumption
Nursing diagnosis
- Risk for injury
- Anxiety
- Risk for activity intolerance
- Disturbed sleep pattern
Drug Classification | Drug trade/ Generic names | Actions | Side effects | Nursing implication |
Benzodiazepines -Most widely prescribed in the world. -Concerns of physiological dependence. -Treatment with BZs generally should be brief, during time of specific stress or for specific indication. | Valium (Diazepam) Klonopin (Clonazepam) Xanax (Alprazolam) Ativan (Lorazepam) Dalmane (Flurazepam) Restoril (Temazepam) Halcion (Triazolam) Prosom (Estazolam) Doral (Quazepam) | Bind to specific GABA receptor sites resulting in a calming effect | Ataxia, drowsiness, confusion and orthostatic hypotension | Teach patient – do not combine with other anti-anxiety meds, and do not take with alcohol! Alcohol and BZ’s together can cause extreme sedation. |
Sedative-hypnotics | Ambien (Zolpidem) Sonata (Zaleplon) Lunesta (Eszoplicone) | Bind selectively to GABA receptor sites | Amnesia, ataxia, rapid onset | Take just before going to bed. |
Buspirone | BuSpar (Buspirone) | Not clearly understood; appears to be a serotonin agonist. Takes 2-4 weeks for full therapeutic effect so cannot be taken prn (when necessary). | Headache, dizziness, light-headedness, nausea and insomnia. (Not associated with sedation or withdrawal symptoms) | Take as directed; stand slowly. |