Lorazepam drug class

A class of sedative/hypnotic type drug that exert their effects through the benzodiazepine binding site on GABAa receptors. The class consists both of molecules that contain the benzodiazepine moiety, for example diazepam, lorazepam and flunitrazepam, and the newer, non-benzodiazepine compounds such as zolpidem, zopiclone, indiplon and zaleplon. BzRAs are primarily used for the treatment of anxiety, insomnia and to elicit varying levels of sedation. The wide selection of compounds currently available affords the prescribing clinician extensive options in terms of relative efficacies and durations of action. 

Knowing the differential pharmacokinetics for a class of drugs allows the clinician to choose specific members to either achieve a faster onset or a delayed offset of action (13, 14, 17, 18). For example, lorazepam is rapidly absorbed from the gastrointestinal tract into the systemic circulation and from there distributed into the brain. In contrast, oxazepam, the most polar BZD, is slowly absorbed from the gastrointestinal tract. Even after oxazepam is in the systemic circulation, it slowly enters tissue compartments, including the brain, during the distribution phase. Unlike lorazepam, oxazepam is not available in either the intramuscular or intravenous formulations. Thus, lorazepam would be preferable to achieve acute control of alcohol withdrawal (e.g., delirium tremens), whereas oxazepam would better stabilize a dependency-prone patient on sedative-hypnotics, because it does not cause the euphoria seen with the more rapidly absorbed members of this class. 

Because benzodiazepines, as a class, are usually equally effective in treating anxiety (in combination with cognitive-behavioral theraphy), psychiatrists usually select which of these drugs to prescribe based on its side effect profile. This means that the physician will weigh all the individual factors of each patient, and decide which drug is best suited for the patient s individual needs based on which side effects that person can or cannot tolerate. For example, some of the benzodiazepines are more easily processed by the liver. This may be particularly useful in patients taking birth control pills, propranolol, disulfuram, ulcer medications, and other drugs that may affect liver function. In such cases, lorazepam (Ativan) may be chosen because it has less of an effect on the liver. 

Benzodiazepine and azapirone derivatives are widely used drugs in this class, and most are metabolized extensively by enzymes of the CYP3A family, except oxazepam, lorazepam, and temazepam, which are mostly glucuronidated (52). Again, several studies have shown that inducers and inhibitors of CYP3A can markedly alter plasma concentrations of many of these drugs, but in only a few cases have toxic effects, such as deep unconsciousness, been reported (19,52,53). Nonetheless, patients on these drugs should probably be monitored carefully, particularly the elderly, who may suffer severe physical injury as a result of falls from impairment of psychomotor function. 

Finally the scaffold behind one of the most famous class of drugs the benzodiazepines, such as diazepam (Vilium), and the other sedatives, hypnotics, and anticonvulsants flunitrazepam, midazolam, lorazepam, etc. 

Benzodiazepines A class of drugs that is most commonly used both for anxiety (nervousness) and as a sedative (generally used to treat sleep problems). When used in the treatment of anxiety, many counselors warn that the medication may create a type of euphoria or false sense of progress that can impede improvement. It is always a good idea to ask the client to contract for services prior to starting this class of medications. Benzodiazepine medications are used to decrease anxiety, panic and night terrors for example Ativan (lorazepam), Clonopin (clonazepam). Librium (chlor-diazepoxide). Valium (diazepam), and Xanax (alprazolam). The benzodiazepine that is generally used to treat sleep problems is Dalmane (flurazepam). 

As with depression, those who are battling or have battled cancer sometimes report feelings of anxiousness that may also respond to medications. Benzodiazepines (BZs) are one class of drugs used in the treatment of anxiety and insomnia. Unlike antidepressants, they work almost immediately. The drugs include lorazepam (Ativan), alprazolam (Xanax), diazepam (Valium), clonazepam (Klonopin), chlordiazepoxide (Librium) and triazolam (Halcion). Some people do become dependent upon BZs, but the drugs are generally safe... 

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