PSYCHOPHARMACOLOGY WORKSHEET – Anxiolytics & Sleep
1. First line treatment for anxiety disorders= SSRI
2. TCA vs. SSRI vs. Benzo- which has the highest anticholinergic effects? TCAs
3. Activating antidepressants that can result in symptoms of anxiety, agitation, restlessness =
venlafaxine (Effexor)
4. Medical conditions that may precipitate anxiety =
• Heart disease
• Hyperthyroidism
• COPD/asthma
• Drug abuse
• ETOH/benzo withdrawal
• Chronic pain
• IBS
• Adrenal tumor
• Seizure
• Diabetes mellitus
5. Mechanism of action Benzodiazepines =
MOA: Potentiate effects of GABA (Remember GABA is inhibitory) → drowsiness, cognitive
impairment, dampening of fear and anxiety, impaired balance, moto control, muscle tone and
coordination, anterograde amnesia.
6. Effects of benzodiazepines in the elderly population = Elderly patients: Increased fall risk, hip
fracture risk
7. Clinical concerns when prescribing benzodiazepines
=
8. Benzodiazepines recommended for patients with liver disorders, alcohol use disorders = Liver:
(oxazepam, temazepam, lorazepam) , Alcohol Use D/O diazepam, clonazepam, chlordiazepoxide,
flurazepam
9. When can benzodiazepines be administered in anxiety patients? =
’
10. Clinical manifestation of Benzodiazepine withdrawal =
• Insomnia
• Anxiety
1. First line treatment for anxiety disorders= SSRI
2. TCA vs. SSRI vs. Benzo- which has the highest anticholinergic effects? TCAs
3. Activating antidepressants that can result in symptoms of anxiety, agitation, restlessness =
venlafaxine (Effexor)
4. Medical conditions that may precipitate anxiety =
• Heart disease
• Hyperthyroidism
• COPD/asthma
• Drug abuse
• ETOH/benzo withdrawal
• Chronic pain
• IBS
• Adrenal tumor
• Seizure
• Diabetes mellitus
5. Mechanism of action Benzodiazepines =
MOA: Potentiate effects of GABA (Remember GABA is inhibitory) → drowsiness, cognitive
impairment, dampening of fear and anxiety, impaired balance, moto control, muscle tone and
coordination, anterograde amnesia.
6. Effects of benzodiazepines in the elderly population = Elderly patients: Increased fall risk, hip
fracture risk
7. Clinical concerns when prescribing benzodiazepines
=
8. Benzodiazepines recommended for patients with liver disorders, alcohol use disorders = Liver:
(oxazepam, temazepam, lorazepam) , Alcohol Use D/O diazepam, clonazepam, chlordiazepoxide,
flurazepam
9. When can benzodiazepines be administered in anxiety patients? =
’
10. Clinical manifestation of Benzodiazepine withdrawal =
• Insomnia
• Anxiety
