Sedative Hypnotic Anxiolytics: Benzodiazepines Cheat Sheet by adrianao

Benzod­iaz­epines enhance the inhibitory effects of gamma-­ami­nob­utyric acid (GAMA) in the CNS.

For genera­lized anxiety disorder (GAD) and panic disorder

Short-term use is recomm­ended due to potential for depend­ency.

Hypera­rousal manife­sta­tions of dissoc­iative disorders

Muscle Spasm

Induction of anesthesia

(alcohol, barbit­urates, opioids) can result in respir­atory depres­sion. Antico­nvu­lsants and antihi­sta­mines can cause increased CNS depression

Avoid alcohol and other substances that cause CNS depres­sion. Avoid activities that require alertness (driving)

High-Fat Means can reduce absorption

Do not take with fatty foods

Sedation, lighth­ead­edness, ataxia, decreased cognitive function

Observe for CNS depres­sion. Notify provider if effects occur. Avoid activities that require alertness (driving). Avoid alcohol and other antian­xiety medica­tions due to potential depressant effects such as severe respir­atory depres­sion.

Difficulty recalling events that occur after dosing

Observe for manife­sta­tions. Notify the provider if effects occur

Acute Toxicity. Oral Toxicity (Drows­iness, lethargy, confus­ion). IV Toxicity (can lead to respir­atory depres­sion, severe hypote­nsion, or cardia­c/r­esp­iratory arrest)

Watch for manife­sta­tions. Notify the provider if these occur. For oral toxicity, gastric lavage is used, followed by the admini­str­ation of activated charcoal or saline cathar­tics. Administer flumazenil for benzod­iaz­epine toxicity to counteract sedation and reverse adverse effects. Monitor vital signs, maintain patient airway, and provide fluids to maintain blood pressure. Have resusc­itation equipment available.

Insomnia, excita­tion, euphoria, anxiety, rage

Watch for manife­sta­tions. Notify the provider if these occur.

Include anxiety, insomnia, diapho­resis, tremors, lighth­ead­edness, delirium, hyperp­igm­ent­ation, muscle twitching, and seizures

Withdrawal effects are not common with short term use. If taking benzod­iaz­epines regularly and in high dose, taper the dose over several weeks

Administer the medica­tions with meals or snacks if gastro­int­estinal upset occurs. Administer the medication at bedtime if possible due to sedation. Advise clients to swallow sustai­ned­-re­lease tablets and avoid chewing or crushing the tablets

Do not take benzod­iaz­epines in larger amounts or more often than prescribed without consulting the provider. Dependency can develop during or after treatment. Notify the provider if indica­tions of withdrawal occur. Store benzod­iaz­epines in a secure place to prevent misuse by others. Swallow sustai­ned­-re­lease tablets and do not crush or chew them.