Anxiolytic drugs effects

The most effective treatment for anxiety disorders is the use of anxiolytic drugs. True or False ... 

Other serotonergic drugs that are direct receptor agonists or antagonists have been found to have anxiolytic effects (Stahl 1998 Bonhomme and Esposito 1998). A novel class of anxiolytic drugs called azapirones act as partial agonists at 5-HTlA receptors (Yocca 1990). Clinically, they are represented by BuSpar, which was approved for use in 1986 (Eison... 

Related hypnotics that also act at benzodiazepine receptors are the newer agents zolpidem, a imida-zopyridine, zaleplon a pyrazolopyrimidine and the cyclopyrrolone zopiclone. Zopiclone might have a role for the treatment of benzodiazepine addiction. In patients in whom zopiclone was substituted for a benzodiazepine for 1 month and then itself abmptly terminated, improved sleep was reported during the zopiclone treatment, and withdrawal effects were absent on discontinuation of zopiclone. A series of non-sedating anxiolytic drugs derived from the same structural families as the above mentioned nonbenzodiazepines, have been developed, such as alpi-dem and pagoclone. 

Pharmacology has provided powerful tools to characterize the neurochemical pathways of stress and anxiety in the brain, and how these pathways are involved in the pathophysiology and treatment of anxiety disorders. In the past, this work has largely focused on classical neurotransmitter systems, including the synthesis, release, and metabolism of monoamines and receptor subtypes that control presynaptic release of neurotransmitters and their postsynaptic effects. Increasing the specihcity of drugs but also the combination of mechanisms has been pursued to improve anxiolytic drugs. 

Benzodiazepines, the most commonly used anxiolytic drugs in the treatment of chronic anxiety states, have also been investigated in the treatment of social phobia. These agents have been shown to be effective in the treatment of other anxiety disorders, including panic disorder and generalized anxiety disorder. Three benzodiazepines, all in the high-potency class of benzodiazepines have been investigated in the treatment of social phobia. 

Lucki I, Rickels K, Giesecke MA, et al Differential effects of the anxiolytic drugs, diazepam and buspirone, on memory function. Br J Chn Pharmacol 23 207-211, 1987... 

How is a specific objective within the R D portfolio, e.g. the search for anxiolytic drugs with a fast onset of action (like benzodiazepines) but lacking cognitive side effects and addictive potential (unlike benzodiazepines), to be partitioned and sequenced so that individual groups within R D, with their different approaches and methods, can be integrated sensibly into the project ... 

The fundamental neurobiological importance of the GABA A receptor is underscored by observations that even more receptor sites exist at or near this complex (Fig. 8—20). This includes receptor sites for nonbenzodiazepine sedative-hypnotics such as zolpidem and zaleplon, for the convulsant drug picrotoxin, for the anticonvulsant barbiturates, and perhaps even for alcohol. This receptor complex is hypothetically responsible in part for mediating such wide-ranging CNS activities as seizures, anticonvulsant drug effects, and the behavioral effects of alcohol, as well as the known anxiolytic, sedative-hypnotic, and muscle relaxant effects of the benzodiazepines. 

Kava originates from the root of the Piper methysticum (kava) plant that grows predominately in the South Pacific islands. This drug has been used for centuries by various local cultures because of its sedative and antianxiety effects. Kava has likewise gained popularity in western societies, and studies suggest that kava extracts can be used as an alternative to traditional sedative-hypnotic and anxiolytic drugs, such as benzodiazepines (see Chapter 6).21,39 Kava may also produce... 

Like the neuroleptics, all of the commonly used minor tranquilizers—with the possible exception of bus-pirone (BuSpar)—are CNS depressants. Unlike the neuroleptics, however, these drugs are called sedative-hypnotics because they produce relaxation (sedation) at lower doses and sleep (hypnosis) and eventually coma at higher ones. The anxiolytic (antianxiety) effect is merely an early stage of CNS depression. 

---